San Francisco May Increase Spending On Domestic Violence Program
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Last year's domestic violence scandal involving San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi could translate into more money for the city's domestic violence programs.
The Board of Supervisor's Budget Committee approved $640,000 on Wednesday that would immediately add staff to the district attorney's office and the commission on the status of women to combat the problem, millions more would be spent on an annual basis.
Supervisor John Avalos supported some, but not all of the funding while noting the obvious.
SF May Increase Domestic Violence Program Spending Pending Board's Approval
"I need to acknowledge the elephant that's in the room that has been in the room over the past year," he said.
Avalos voted against removing the Sheriff Mirkarimi from office last year. Supervisor Mark Farrell said the whole flap heightened awareness.
"Not only has there been an elephant in this room for a while, but I think after what happened last year; I think it's so important from a policy perspective that we make a statement," Farrell said.
With a big push from the district attorney and strong support from advocates, the spending now goes to the full board for a vote.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
