Stand with us Thursday to say ENOUGH! The facts DO matter!

This Thursday, August 16^th, the Ethics Commission will hear final testimony in the official misconduct proceedings surrounding suspended Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi’s conviction of false imprisonment in a domestic violence case.  At 12pm on the Polk Street steps outside of San Francisco’s City Hall, the anti-domestic violence community will unite for a press conference to say ENOUGH!  The facts DO matter!

We’ve watched this case unfold—as the Ethics Commission has held hearings to determine whether there is an inherent conflict in Mirkarimi’s ability to serve as sheriff following his conviction; and as the newly elected sheriff admitted on the stand that he committed an act of violence and had hurt his wife, knowing at the time that he was doing so.  Now it’s decision time.  The Ethics Commission will decide whether to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that Mirkarimi be removed from office as sheriff.

Stand with us to say to the Ethics Commission and the Board of Supervisors that they must do the right thing: that San Francisco cannot have a sheriff who is serving time for a domestic violence crime.

We stand by Mayor Ed Lee’s statement:

“The facts are that Ross Mirkarimi pleaded guilty to an act of domestic violence against his wife and he will be on probation for the next three years. His conviction and his probation impair his ability to perform the duties of Sheriff, fall below the standard expected of public officials and constitutes official misconduct.”

We’ve stood firmly by the conviction that this is bigger than one case.  This is about survivor safety and batterer accountability.  It’s about showing our community that San Francisco will prioritize the safety of survivors and take domestic violence seriously, no matter who is perpetrating it.   

Domestic violence crimes are rooted in the abuse of power and control.  Does it seem to defy common sense that a person who has demonstrated abuse of power and control would oversee the imprisonment of others convicted of this abuse?  Are you concerned about the message we’ll be sending to our community, to survivors, and to batterers if one of our city’s top public safety officials is allowed to remain in office after admitting to a domestic violence crime? 

Join us Thursday, August 16^th at 12pm on the Polk Street steps outside of San Francisco’s City Hall in standing with survivors for safety and accountability.

For questions, call 415-503-0500.