Contact: David A. Alegria, Public Relations Manager
David.Alegria@sanantonio.gov
210-207-8172
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (December 19, 2022) – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is seeking feedback from local businesses and the community at large about a potential ordinance the San Antonio City Council is considering. The ordinance would require business owners to post signage containing domestic violence resources in their place of public accommodation. This is meant to complement the state-mandated signage containing information to prevent human trafficking (Texas Government Code, § 402.0351).
The five-minute survey is designed to gauge how the business community and community members feel about the potential ordinance, as well as provide a space to share any concerns. To access the survey, visit the City’s SASpeakUp portal.
Metro Health also re-launched its annual awareness campaign on domestic violence risks during the holiday season and resources available to victims.
“The holidays can become stressful and dangerous for those who are in abusive relationships,” states Erica Haller-Stevenson, Public Health Administrator at Metro Health. “We remind the community that domestic violence does not take a holiday and safety planning is critical this season for victims.”
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a safety plan is a personalized roadmap to improve a victim’s safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after they leave their abusive partner. The Hotline offers an interactive guide on how to create a safety plan.
If victims need help leaving an abusive partner this holiday season, they can call the SAPD non-emergency number at 210-207-7273. Victims can also call 211 for help or 911 in case of an emergency. More information can be found at the Metro Heath’s Violence Prevention website.