Metro Health Launches Outreach Campaign to Address Domestic Violence
Published on May 06, 2024
A collaborative approach with City of San Antonio businesses will be required to decrease the burden of domestic violence in the community
SAN ANTONIO (May 6, 2024) – The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) is launching its latest initiative aimed at the awareness of addressing domestic violence in our community. As part of Metro Health’s ongoing commitment to creating a safer and supportive environment for all, a new domestic violence ordinance requiring resource signage inside restrooms in places of public accommodation will take effect in Fall 2024. This initiative is a continuous effort of the ground-setting Love Is… campaign intended to define healthy relationships and cultural expectations. This new city-wide outreach effort emphasizes the multi-year commitment to decrease domestic violence in our community.
San Antonio has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Texas. The rule, which was passed by the San Antonio City Council in October 2023, expands communication of domestic violence prevention, links people to resources and raises awareness of the issue among community members. A restroom often represents a private space where a person experiencing domestic violence can scan a QR code or memorize a phone number without being witnessed by their abuser. The sign will be required in restrooms of all genders, including family restrooms.
The rule applies to places of public accommodations like hotels, restaurants, theaters and more. Businesses must place the sign, an adhesive decal, on the bottom right corner of the restroom mirror. If no mirror is available, an alternate option is to place the sign on the back of the restroom exit door at eye level or five feet above the floor. Community health workers (CHWs) will distribute the signs and educate businesses and the community about the ordinance.
Enforcement will be carried out by Metro Health on a complaint basis or during routine inspections of licensed establishments. To file a complaint, the public can call 311 Customer Service.
Metro Health will provide the sign at no cost to establishments. If a sign has not been received, businesses can request one by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-7776. All information regarding the ordinance, including a printable file of the required sign, can be found on the City’s DVSigns website.