Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/13/04

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy Larry Scoufos Chairperson, John F. DeMeo - 545-3232

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

Victim Advisory Committee Completes Evaluation for DA's Office

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan R. Passalacqua announced today that the Crime Victims Advisory Committee has completed their report and recommendations of victims services in the District Attorney’s Office. John F. DeMeo, Chairperson of the committee, recently gave to DA Passalacqua their report and recommendation at a small reception in the District Attorney’s Office.

Passalacqua said, "I am extremely grateful to the members of the committee who donated their time to evaluate services to crime victims. Our office will make every effort to implement the committee's recommendations. "

The committee's recommendations were: 1) to expand District Attorney office space to permit private and confidential conferences with victims and witnesses, as well as to create a workable professional atmosphere for the attorneys; 2) to energize the Victim Witness program; 3) to establish a commitment to education and communication between and among the D.A's office, law enforcement and victims; 4) to merge domestic violence counselors and sexual assault advocates into one unit; and 5) to revamp restitution and collection procedures.

The Advisory Committee's report documents the need for a central location for services to crime victims. Mr. DeMeo states, "It is absolutely essential for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes to have one place to go to have their many needs fulfilled without further traumatizing their unfortunate circumstances." DA Passalacqua's vision is to establish a Family Justice Center in this County to provide compassionate services to crime victims.

The members of the Crime Victims Advisory Committee are the following: John F. DeMeo, The Honorable William Bettinelli, Dee Schillings, Miriam Gaon, Bernabe Hernandez, Michael Merrill, Dean Patrick Broderick, Martin Reilley, Nick Esposti, and Kim Clement.