District 8 Councilman’s Proposed Domestic Violence Ordinance Progess

Published on April 27, 2023

Ordinance would require places of public accommodation to post domestic violence resources in restrooms

SAN ANTONIO (April 27, 2023) — Today, in response to a Council Consideration Request (CCR) made by Councilman Manny Pelaez, the Community Health, Environment and Culture Committee voted to move an ordinance forward that would require places of public accommodation to post signage featuring domestic violence resources in restrooms. The ordinance will be presented to the full Council at an upcoming A Session.

In response, the Councilman issued a statement on the importance of this ordinance: “One in three women in San Antonio have or will have a domestic violence story to tell. Too often, survivors and family members of victims tell us they don’t know of help available. This is a guaranteed way to put them in touch with resources that could save their lives.”

As the proposed ordinance currently stands, signs will feature domestic violence prevention and intervention resources in English and Spanish and would be placed on mirrors in restrooms.

In addition to speaking with the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDV) and the West Texas Region of the Texas Restaurant Association, Metro Health conducted a survey to garner feedback from the general public and the local business community about the proposed ordinance. The survey received more than 1,400 responses, representing every Council district, gender, and age group across the city. Seventeen percent of survey respondents identified themselves as being connected to a business and 83% as community members. Overall, 80% of respondents support an ordinance. When examined by different audience groups, 59% of the business-affiliated respondents and 84% of community members support an ordinance.

To access today’s presentation and the Councilman’s CCR via the committee agenda, click here.