Assembly: Catherine Stefani

Assembly Assembly: Catherine Stefani By San Francisco Richmond ReView on November 13, 2026 • ( Leave a comment ) Investing in Our Safety Every Californian deserves to feel safe in their home and in their neighborhood. But for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other crimes, safety is not always a given. Finding a safe place to go, accessing legal support or getting help in a moment of crisis can be life-changing – and quite often lifesaving. It’s why I made supporting survivors and protecting victims of crime my top priority in the Legislature. This year, I was proud to secure millions in state funding for three programs that provide critical services to survivors and give people the resources they need to rebuild their lives. One of these investments is $1.5 million for the San Francisco Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights, an office I helped establish through Proposition D in 2022. That measure reflected our City’s commitment to ensuring victims of crime have access to the support and resources they deserve, including the right to civil counsel for survivors of domestic violence. Securing this funding is an important milestone in delivering on what San Francisco voters approved four years ago. Access to legal representation can make an enormous difference for survivors navigating restraining orders, custody matters, and other legal challenges, all while they work to escape abusive situations and protect their loved ones. I was thrilled to also secure $250,000 for the San Francisco Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline, which provides specialized, 24-hour support to survivors and people at risk of human trafficking throughout the Bay Area. Human trafficking is a devastating crime that too often goes unseen, leaving survivors isolated and without a clear path to help. This funding will ensure trained support remains available whenever someone needs it most. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation to strengthen California’s human trafficking procurement standards. While that bill did not advance, I remain committed to addressing human trafficking and strengthening the systems that protect the most vulnerable amongst us from exploitation. A third investment, $3 million for San Francisco SafeHouse’s bridge housing project at 101 Gough St., will help provide safe and stable housing for survivors of gender-based violence and their children. Homelessness amongst women who have experienced violence is a crisis that has gone overlooked for far too long. I was especially proud to help secure this funding because I know how important it is for survivors to have somewhere safe to turn. I grew up in a household affected by domestic violence. I know how critical it is to have a safe place to escape to when your home is no longer safe. This investment also closes the final funding gap for the project, allowing San Francisco SafeHouse to finally move forward with construction and bringing this much-needed housing that much closer to reality. These budget wins also reflect a broader commitment that has guided my work throughout this legislative session. I introduced legislation to strengthen domestic violence restraining orders and ensure that people are taking these orders seriously. I also worked to establish a statewide gun storage program for people to utilize during moments of crisis, protect seniors from financial scams and address dangerous sideshows that threaten neighborhood safety. While these efforts address different challenges, they share a common purpose: preventing harm, protecting our neighbors and ensuring that victims and survivors are no longer left to navigate difficult circumstances alone. My work does not end when a bill is signed or funding is secured. Now is the time to continue listening to survivors, working alongside advocates and service providers and making sure our investments translate into meaningful support for those who need it most. I will continue fighting for a California where every person has the opportunity to live safely and rebuild their life with dignity. As always, if my office can assist you with any state services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call 415-557-2312. Assemblymember Catherine Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Like this: Like Loading… Related Categories: Assembly Tagged as: Assembly , catherine stefani , Richmond District , Richmond Review , Sunset Beacon , Sunset District