This ordinance ensures that client information received by the Office of Victim and Witness Rights (OVWR) remains confidential and clarifies OVWR's responsibilities. It also transfers the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) to OVWR, requiring SHARP to provide trauma-informed assistance to victims during City processes without hindering law enforcement investigations.
Ordinance amending the Administrative Code to provide for the confidentiality of client information received by the Office of Victim and Witness Rights (“OVWR”); establish and clarify the responsibilities of OVWR; move the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (“SHARP”) from the Human Rights Commission to OVWR, and require SHARP to offer trauma-informed assistance to victims in navigating City processes, including by supporting victims in non-custodial law enforcement interviews, provided a SHARP employee’s presence does not obstruct a police investigation or interfere with the District Attorney’s investigative or prosecutorial function.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to enhance the support and confidentiality for victims and witnesses in San Francisco, leading to the amendment of the Administrative Code regarding the Office of Victim and Witness Rights (OVWR).
The Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance to amend the Administrative Code to enhance the confidentiality of client information received by OVWR and to clarify its responsibilities, including moving the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) under its purview.
The Youth Commission received the ordinance for comment and recommendation, indicating the involvement of various city bodies in the legislative process.
The ordinance was reviewed and amended by the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee, which recommended it for further consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on first reading, indicating strong support for the changes proposed to enhance victim support services.
The ordinance was finally passed by the Board of Supervisors, solidifying the changes to the Administrative Code regarding OVWR and SHARP.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing the legislative process and enabling the implementation of the new provisions for victim and witness rights.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
