Mayor's Office for Victims' Rights

Stories

SFPD commits to overhauling rape investigations after report of low clearance rate

Proposed reform recommendations

San Francisco police leaders promised to overhaul rape investigations at an Oct. 8 City Hall hearing, after reporting showed the department cleared 14% of rape cases in 2025, half the national average. Chief Derrick Lew and Special Victims Unit Captain William Toomey agreed to require checklists before a case is shelved, monthly supervisor reviews and annual audits.

Updated Oct 30

California funds free legal counsel for SF domestic violence survivors

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Will administer the $1.5M state funding; created May 2024

San Franciscans voted in June 2022 to guarantee free lawyers to domestic violence survivors. More than four years later, the city still hadn't funded the promised legal services. Now the state is stepping in with $1.5 million to pay for it.

Updated Sep 17