Family Violence Council

Violence impacts individuals at different stages of life. Child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, and domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence or IPV) are all forms of family violence that have traumatizing and far-reaching effects on individuals, families and entire communities. Family violence can include abuse that is physical, sexual, psychological or economic, and it is characterized by behaviors that are used to isolate, neglect or exercise power and control over a person. 

In 2007, the Family Violence Council (FVC) was established by local ordinance to increase awareness and understanding of family violence and its consequences, and to recommend programs, policies, and coordination of City services to reduce family violence in San Francisco. Historically, the San Francisco Family Violence Council and the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women issued an annual report on family violence in San Francisco, including the prevalence of abuse, the response from City agencies, demographics of victims and survivors, access to community based services and demographics of people experiencing abuse. 

This report has helped track trends of family violence in San Francisco, identify gaps and needs in response and services and inform policymaking and funding priorities for the City. Data for the report is collected from more than 10 City agencies and 27 community-based organizations.