Press Room > Press Release

 

 

 

“While domestic violence impacts families from all walks of life, for many domestic violence survivors, economic dependency is one of the chief reasons for repeatedly returning to violent and potentially deadly relationships,” said District Attorney Kamala D. Harris. “Giving these DV victims the tools to fend for themselves financially is a vital part of breaking the cycle of violence. This initiative is about ensuring that domestic violence survivors lacking financial independence are never economically reliant on a batterer again.”

 

The MIND (Motivating Independence and New Directions) Initiative of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office will provide support, access to comprehensive workforce development, and financial literacy.

 

Currently, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Victim Services Division of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA) provide the resources and support that victims need to exit violent relationships and to hold the batterer legally responsible and accountable for the crimes committed. 

 

The MIND Initiative will pick up where immediate victim services and prosecution leaves off, helping domestic violence victims whose cases have been adjudicated by providing access to job placement and training services and mental health counseling. Additionally, participants will receive referrals to partner agencies that can address housing, child care and other vital needs of participants. 

 

MIND Initiative partners, including the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, the San Francisco Treasurer’s Office, Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties and La Casa De Las Madres, joined DA Harris and domestic violence survivor in announcing that the MIND Initiative’s inaugural class will include 10 to 15 survivors. These participants will be evaluated at three-month intervals to gauge their work readiness and success in getting on the path to financial independence. Referrals to participate in the MIND Initiative will come from community providers who serve domestic violence victims and the SFDA’s Victim Services Division.

 

“Annually, domestic violence has tremendous financial impact on its victims and businesses,” said San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President Steve Falk. “It is smart for law enforcement, the domestic violence community, workforce development and employers to work together and create strategic interventions that confront the economic issues faced by both victims and businesses.”

 

Nationally, it is estimated that one in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime and it is the leading cause of violent death for women. Domestic violence is the second leading cause of homelessness in San Francisco.

 

Domestic violence is a widespread problem with profound financial implications for its victims and the economy. Over 1.75 million workdays are lost as a result of domestic violence each year. Domestic violence results in $3 to $5 billion lost annually in absenteeism, decreased productivity, and health and safety costs. 

 

“We are pleased to be a partner in the MIND initiative because asset building could not be more important to survivors of domestic violence,” said San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros. “Research reveals that economic dependency is a strong predictor of a survivor’s decision to remain, leave, or return to an abusive relationship. The workshops we will offer will provide victims of domestic violence with the resources that will help them develop the financial knowledge and skills to achieve economic independence.”

 

Reports shows that between 35 percent and 56 percent of victims of intimate partner violence are harassed at work by their abusers and between one-quarter and one-half of domestic violence victims report that they have lost a job due to domestic violence. This new SFDA initiative will also educate employers on the economic toll of this crime and better help them understand the needs of employees who may be dealing with issues of domestic violence. 

 

“District Attorney Kamala Harris is offering a smart solution to challenge the tough economic barriers facing victims of domestic violence seeking violence free lives,” said Executive Director of La Casa de las Madres Kathy Black. “La Casa de las Madres is pleased to be a partner in the MIND Initiative.”

 

The formation of the MIND Initiative is part of DA Harris’ long-standing commitment to addressing the crisis of domestic violence through prosecution, legislative action, public education and community partnerships. In 2004 DA Harris added specially-trained investigators to the Domestic Violence Unit and launched the SKY Program – counseling for children victims or witnesses of domestic violence. DA Harris has sponsored several pieces of statewide domestic violence related legislation, including: SB 1569 (2006) which established public benefits for immigrant DV victims and SB 353 (2007) which secured victim’s pet’s protective orders. In 2008, DA Harris sponsored local legislation that prevents victims of domestic violence in San Francisco from being evicted from their homes as a result of any noise or nuisance caused by their abuse. In 2009, DA Harris secured a US Department of Justice grant to improve prosecution of batterers of LEP victims of dating and DV.