San Diego DA Announces Partnership with Baja California AG, Renews Ties with Mexican Consul

A new partnership between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Baja California Attorney General’s Office was announced Friday, which officials say will ensure that crime victims no longer have to cross the border to receive essential services and resources.

The agreement between the two prosecutors bridges the efforts of One Safe Place, a family law center operated by the San Marcos District Attorney’s Office that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, hate crimes and assault, and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women in Tijuana.

At a press conference announcing the partnership, officials said it will allow victims on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to receive much-needed legal, mental health and social services in both countries.

“Criminals who exploit victims for human trafficking, exploitation and violence know no boundaries,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.

“Thousands cross the border between Tijuana and San Diego every day to go to work, school, or to visit family and friends, and we know there are many victims of crime on both sides of the border. With this partnership, we will work together to refer victims and provide essential services on both sides of the border to further regionalize assistance and ensure they have a safe and healing place to go, no matter where they live or work.”

According to the Public Prosecution Service, this agreement makes One Safe Place the first family law center with an international partnership.

“Violence against women, children and vulnerable people leaves a deep mark on their lives. It is necessary to develop and implement action protocols to guarantee comprehensive and sensitive care for victims of gender-based violence,” said Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, Attorney General of Baja California.

“For this reason, I thank the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for providing a space where Mexican authorities can help their fellow citizens who are victims of this crime. Baja California and California share a history of fighting criminals who commit crimes on both sides of the border. We believe that working together is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation to ensure that victims receive help to heal their physical and emotional wounds, and to secure justice for them.”

Friday’s announcement also included a renewed agreement for the Mexican consulate to provide resources to One Safe Place, a partnership that the organizations say helps victims who have difficulty traveling to the downtown San Diego office.

“Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort,” said Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.

“It is critical that we work together — government agencies, community organizations, and local leaders — to support victims and prevent future abuse. Consular assistance and the protection of Mexican communities abroad through the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego are our highest foreign policy priorities.”