The Prosecutor's Office vigorously prosecutes domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault offenders.
The Special Assaults Unit (SAU) handles all felony crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault and crimes against children. Led by Supervising Deputy Grant Blinn, SAU is the largest trial team in the office and consists of attorneys, victim advocates and legal support staff.
Domestic Violence is a high priority for the Prosecutor's Office. We aggressively prosecute domestic violence crimes and strive to provide effective and innovative services to victims of domestic violence. SAU employs four specialized victim advocates who help victims navigate the criminal case process and find necessary community resources. Read more Domestic violence victims and their families can find information and assistance at the YWCA of Tacoma/Pierce County, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.
Many of SAU's cases involve the physical or sexual abuse of children. The Prosecutor's Office has developed a protocol for the investigation of child abuse and neglect and is a partner in the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Pierce County. Known as the Safe and Sound Center, the CAC is a child focused, child-friendly facility where children and their families feel safe enough to get the help they need to stop abuse and begin the process of healing. Our office also participates in two local Child Abductions Response Teams (CART) and works closely with the Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children Task Force. Another resource is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
