Presiding Judge Honored by SF Commission on the Status of Women

"Well-trained judges maximize safety for 

domestic violence survivors and their children."

-- Dr. Emily Murase, the Executive Director of the Department on the Status of Women

The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women issued a resolution honoring Presiding Judge Cynthia Ming-mei Lee at its August 28 meeting for requiring all San Francisco Superior Court Judges to complete a domestic violence lethality training. 

In May, Judge Lee required that the Court’s 49 Judges complete a 3-hour course on domestic violence lethality, an effective strategy to reduce domestic violence homicides. The course, which was taught by nationally recognized expertDr. Jacquelyn Campbell and Judge Sharon Chatman,presented training on lethality and intimate partner violence risk assessment in domestic violence cases. Judge Chatman presides in Santa Clara County and has supervised their domestic violence courts.

“The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women recognizes Judge Lee for her leadership in mandating domestic violence lethality training for all judges in San Francisco,” said Dr. Emily Murase, the Executive Director of the Department on the Status of Women. “Well-trained judges maximize safety for domestic violence survivors and their children. Proper lethality assessment can literally save lives. It is programs like this that are the reason San Francisco hasn’t had a domestic violence homicide in over a year.”

“During my 35-year career at the Hall of Justice, I presided over the Domestic Violence
Court and prosecuted these cases when I worked at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office,” Judge Lee said. “It is essential for Judges to have this knowledge to make the most informed decisions on danger and potential lethality in domestic violence cases. I am honored to receive this recognition because this training provided our judges with additional tools to effectively handle domestic violence cases in San Francisco.”

About the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women

Every month, the Commission issues resolutions to honor individuals who have helped to advance equality for women and girls in San Francisco. The Commission has several programs which focus on domestic violence. One of those programs, the Justice and Courage Oversight Panel, works to improve San Francisco’s criminal justice system response to domestic violence.The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women promotes equitable treatment and fosters the advancement of women and girls throughout San Francisco through policies, legislation,and programs, both within City and County government and in the private sector, that focus on populations in need.