Long before she became Merced County’s top prosecutor, Nicole Silveira witnessed firsthand the level of courage it takes for victims of crime to go through the justice system.

Victor A. Patton

The Merced FOCUS

Her first felony assignment upon joining the Merced County District Attorney’s Office more than a decade ago was domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

During that time, she gained insight into how difficult the process can be for victims – from reporting the crime and being interviewed, to being given medical exams and being directed from one location to the next.

Today, Merced County District Attorney Silveira says she’s making it her top priority to do something about that.

During a recent sit-down interview with The Merced FOCUS, Silveira shared that she wants to establish a family justice center in Merced for crime victims, particularly those who’ve suffered from domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.

While plans for the family justice center are still in the preliminary stage, it would essentially be a place that puts all of the services those survivors need under one roof, rather than having to travel to different locations.

For example, the center could be a place where a detective could conduct interviews. An attorney with the District Attorney’s Office could be on hand to review cases. Services could be provided to help victims with restraining orders and other important documents.

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Some family justice centers have special rooms where survivors of sexual assault or rape can have forensic exams conducted in a secure location. Others have rooms where children who’ve suffered abuse can be interviewed in a welcoming environment that’s decorated for their age group.

“This is something that really centralizes (services) and puts victims and survivors first,” Silveira said, adding that victims far too often are an afterthought in California.

“I really want Merced County to be a place where victims know that their rights are prioritized.”

Silveira’s proposal for a local family justice center comes amid recent efforts by herself and local victims advocates to bring forensic medical exams, also known as rape kits, to Merced for victims of sexual assault.

Silveira has also had initial talks about the proposed center with Lupe Garcia, director of Valley Crisis Center, the local organization that provides services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Merced County.

Garcia told The Merced FOCUS via email those conversations have centered on potential collaboration between the DA and Valley Crisis Center.

Many California counties have family justice centers, including San Joaquin, Fresno and Stanislaus counties here in the Valley. Silveira said she recently toured the facility in northern San Diego County.

“These centers thrive by fostering robust partnerships between community organizations, law enforcement, and government agencies, all while maintaining a firm focus on the survivors they serve,” Garcia wrote in an email, when asked about examples of successful family justice centers.

“The most successful models prioritize seamless access to comprehensive services under one roof, which reduces the logistical and emotional burden on victims. What makes these centers exemplary is their commitment to continually centering survivors’ voices in both the planning and operational phases,” she added.

“The needs of the survivors we serve often go beyond domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking — they encompass mental health struggles, housing instability, financial distress, and much more. Addressing these intersecting issues is what makes the difference.”

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Potential Timeline for the Center

Although the project is still being researched, Silveira said ideally she would like to see it established in four years.

She has appointed a special projects coordinator to do the initial legwork.

So far, there isn’t a price tag for the project, amid what has undoubtedly been a tough budget year for Merced County. Despite the tight budget situation, there may be some hope to provide funding for the project.

On the Nov. 5 ballot, voters will decide whether to pass Measure R, a half-cent sales tax that would provide funding to the Sheriff’s Office, fire department and the District Attorney’s Office.

If the measure passes, Silveira said some of that funding could support the family justice center, though her first priority would be restoring the ranks of prosecutors in her office by ensuring competitive salaries.

The District Attorney’s Office has seen a decrease in its prosecutors in recent years, with many attorneys going to other California counties that offer higher pay. A similar situation has happened with the critical shortage of deputies at the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

Silveira is also looking at different potential structures, such as running a family justice center as a nonprofit model or as an extension of her office.

“There are pros and cons to both,” Silveira said. “If it’s government funded, then it’s more sustainable. You’re not relying on grants as much. But then, you know, if you go with the nonprofit model, sometimes that pulls in more resources that can come together.”

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Center Should Build Upon Existing Efforts, Advocate Says

Garcia said she sees many potential benefits of bringing a family justice center to Merced, as it could become a “much-needed central hub for collaboration.”

Still, she also hopes the effort builds upon and complements the work of existing organizations like Valley Crisis Center, rather than duplicating existing efforts.

“If a Family Justice Center were to open in Merced, it should provide a truly collaborative, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approach to care. I envision services that span comprehensive case management, legal assistance, medical and mental health care, housing support, and child protective services — all under one roof,” Garcia wrote in the email.

Garcia also said such a center must have culturally-competent services tailored to Merced’s diverse population, ensuring every survivor feels heard and supported.

“We must focus on preventing re-traumatization by delivering coordinated, compassionate care. The convenience of co-located services will also be a major asset to survivors, making it easier for them to access the help they need without the additional burden of navigating complex systems alone,” she wrote.

Valley Crisis Center is launching its capital campaign on Oct. 19 to purchase its office building and expand services for survivors. To donate or read more about it, visit the Valley Crisis Center website.

For more information about family justice centers or to find a location near you, visit the Family Justice Center Alliance website.

About the Author

Victor Patton is editor-in-chief of The Merced FOCUS.