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Sonoma County District Attorney
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Special Victims Unit

The Special Victims Unit prosecutes a variety of crimes including:

  • Adult Sexual Assault
  • Child Sexual Assault and Child Physical Abuse
  • Domestic Violence / Stalking
  • Elder Abuse
  • Sexually Violent Predators
  • Statutory Rape

This unit, comprised of highly skilled and specially trained public servants, provides legal advice and guidance for law enforcement during what are considered among the most sensitive investigations. The unit includes a Senior Deputy District Attorney, who acts as Team Leader; four Senior Deputy District Attorneys; two Deputy District Attorneys experienced in handling misdemeanor domestic violence cases and staffing Domestic Violence Court; a designated attorney handling statutory rape prosecutions; a Domestic Violence Investigator, a Sexual Assault and Child Assault Investigator; and three Domestic Violence Counselors (one of whom speaks Spanish). There are also four Victim/Witness Advocates who provide services to sexual assault victims as well as other crime victims.

The purpose of Domestic Violence Court is to enhance prosecution of spousal abuse or domestic violence cases, and to minimize emotional trauma to victims during legal proceedings.

The District Attorney serves on numerous multidisciplinary teams to enhance the protection of victims and hold offenders accountable:

  • Family Violence Prevention Council – A countywide effort, chaired by the District Attorney’s Office and the Sonoma County Superior Court, to reduce and prevent the incidence of family violence and provide support for its victims.
     
  • Child Death Review Team - Chaired by the District Attorney's Office, this team reviews the circumstances surrounding the death of every child in Sonoma County. The team's mission is to detect child abuse and prevent child injury.
     
  • Domestic Violence Death Review Team - This team reviews domestic violence deaths and recommends strategies to help prevent domestic violence deaths. It also helps in dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence death and injuries.
     
  • Redwood Children's Center - Human Services, Public Health, and the District Attorney collaborate with law enforcement at this child-friendly evidence collection center to minimize the trauma suffered by children in these cases by eliminating the need for multiple interviews.
     
  • Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - This team provides assessment and treatment to survivors of sexual assault. The team approach assures that survivors are subjected to a limited number of interviews and receive care in the most positive environment possible.