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Committee forwards ordinance to consolidate SHARPP into OVWR and add confidentiality protections
Summary
The committee moved Sept. 26 to amend and forward an ordinance amending the Administrative Code to provide confidentiality for client information received by the Office of Victim and Witness Rights (OVWR), move SHARPP into OVWR, and require trauma‑informed assistance; City Attorney confirmed listed amendments were non‑substantive.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Sept. 26 voted to amend and forward to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would amend the Administrative Code to strengthen the Office of Victim and Witness Rights (OVWR), incorporate the Office of Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARPP) under OVWR, and add client confidentiality protections.
Chair Catherine Stephanie, who introduced the legislation, described it as "landmark legislation" that consolidates functions to create a more cohesive support system for victims. She said the measure responds to evidence that many crime victims do not report to law enforcement because of trauma, mistrust or fear of retraumatization and that the ordinance is intended to improve access to services. The chair introduced three amendments: one clarifying that the office shall have no authority to subpoena a crime victim for information regarding the crime; a second preserving the independence of the District Attorney's victim services unit by exempting certain services from consolidation; and a third specifying that employees, including the director, shall interact directly with survivors of sexual assault and harassment and their advocates under enumerated subsections.
City Attorney Christina Fletus was present and confirmed the amendments were non‑substantive. Supervisor Dorsey praised the measure and said he supported it, noting his prior work in victims services and emphasizing that the ordinance is not duplicative of existing services. There were no public speakers on Item 3. Chair Stephanie moved to amend the legislation as presented and to forward it to the full board with a positive recommendation; Member Dorsey and Chair Stephanie voted 'aye'.
If adopted by the full Board, the ordinance would change Administrative Code responsibilities for OVWR and consolidate SHARPP under OVWR as described in the committee packet. The committee record did not include a final Board action; the measure will be transmitted for consideration on Oct. 8, 2024.
