SFPD Veteran Offers Support Resources During Domestic Violence Calls

When responding to domestic violence incidents, Inspector Tony Flores of the San Francisco Police Department provides survivors with a resource card listing shelters, hotlines, and counseling services. Flores, who has served 43 years with the department’s Special Victims Unit, uses the card to connect individuals with immediate and longer-term support.

The referral card includes contact information for local crisis centers, counseling services, emergency shelters, and victim advocacy groups. It is part of the protocol designed to ensure that victims are informed of their options and have access to confidential help, even if they choose not to pursue criminal charges.

The practice reflects broader efforts within the SFPD to strengthen its response to domestic violence. Policymakers and advocacy organizations have emphasized the importance of providing survivors with timely information and support. According to the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, over 7,000 domestic violence-related calls are made to police annually in the city.

Officers in the Special Victims Unit are trained to handle sensitive cases involving domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other trauma-related crimes. In addition to making arrests and conducting investigations, the unit prioritizes victim safety and access to services that can reduce the risk of future harm.

Inspector Flores said that having the card on hand helps victims take the next step when they may be uncertain or overwhelmed. The card is a printed guide that includes multilingual contact information and meets the department’s standards for language access and victim assistance.

This approach aligns with the department’s General Order 6.09, which outlines protocols for handling domestic violence cases, including required follow-up and victim notification procedures. That order mandates that officers inform survivors about their rights and the support systems available.

The SFPD continues to review and update its practices in consultation with service providers and community groups. For Inspector Flores and his colleagues, handing out the referral card is just one part of their broader role: making sure no one is left without a path to safety.