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SF Program Targets Immigrant Domestic Violence Victims

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office has launched a new policy for immigrant victims.

The new policy from San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon includes contacting some victims at their homes, within 72 hours of an incident.

Domestic violence workers said that many times, victims are left to fend for themselves.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

Assistant District Attorney Jean Roland, who heads the DA's domestic violence unit and decides which cases are going to be prosecuted, said the home visits will be made to the most vulnerable victims.

"We wanted to start off by helping the most vulnerable victims at this point, which is why we're looking towards the monolingual as well as the limited English proficient victims," said Roland. "We're also looking at households with children."

The DA's office has also signed a pact with the Philippine Consulate General in which Filipino women that seek refuge at the consul general's office will be immediately referred to the district attorney's office.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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