The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office announced on May 16 the renewal and expansion of a binational partnership with the Attorney General of the State of Baja California and the Baja California Justice Center for Women. The updated Memorandum of Understanding now includes both North and South County Family Justice Centers, aiming to improve access to victim services across the border.
This expanded agreement is significant as it addresses cross-border challenges faced by victims who may require support in either San Diego or Tijuana. With thousands traveling daily between these regions, seamless collaboration is intended to ensure that geography or language does not hinder access to critical services.
District Attorney Summer Stephan said, “Abusers, traffickers or anyone who exploits and harms victims do not recognize borders. With thousands of people traveling between San Diego and Tijuana each day for work, school, and family, we know victimization can happen on either side of the border—and our response must be just as seamless. This renewed partnership strengthens our binational network of support, ensuring victims can access critical services, protection, and justice wherever they are. We are committed to making sure no one is left without help because of geography or language, and that every person who comes to One Safe Place is met with culturally responsive care focused on safety, healing, and justice.”
Since July 2022 for North County in San Marcos—and October 2025 for South County in National City—the two Family Justice Centers have served over 13,000 victims by providing comprehensive support under one roof through collaboration with more than 100 community partners. These centers address various forms of victimization including child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, hate crimes and more.
Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez said: “This international cooperation reflects our shared commitment to joining forces across borders to protect those who need it most. Renewing and expanding this agreement will strengthen referral processes, specialized support, and multidisciplinary services while also reducing the barriers that have historically limited access to legal psychological and social services. Through this binational support network we aim to provide immediate gender-responsive assistance while always prioritizing the safety stability and well-being of families affected by violent environments.”
Magdalena Bautista Director of the Baja California Justice Center for Women added: “This agreement reaffirms the strength of binational and interinstitutional collaboration as a means to expand protection support and effective access to justice for women and their families… The true strength of this alliance lies in turning binational coordination into real protection and concrete results for women and their families.”
In March 2026 a similar agreement was renewed with the Mexican Consulate enhancing outreach efforts such as monthly “Cafecito Con La Comunidad” events at One Safe Place centers.
Ambassador Alicia G. Kerber-Palma Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego said: “Violence against women knows no borders… We celebrate this binational cooperative effort that strengthens coordination… From the Consulate General… we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting initiatives that promote dignity safety well-being…”
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center operates at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos from Monday through Friday (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) plus first Saturdays (8 a.m.–12 p.m.). The South County center at 401 Mile Of Cars Way National City holds similar hours but opens on second Saturdays instead. The State Baja California Justice Center for Women offers round-the-clock service at Avenida Moctezuma #1 Tijuana.
