San Antonio Launches Strategy to Combat Domestic Violence

Published on October 18, 2024

San Antonio Launches Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Domestic Violence During Awareness Month

SAN ANTONIO (October 18, 2024) – In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of San Antonio is highlighting the comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategic Plan, investment from the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget, and the collaborative approach to create domestic violence awareness and provide information about resources through the new Domestic Violence Signage Ordinance, the Purple Porch SA Campaign and San Antonio Police Department Substations Open House Event. 

Early this year, the City unveiled its comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategic Plan designed to reduce violence in our community by addressing root causes in using a cross-sector, collaborative approach in four priority areas, Violence Among Youth, Gun Violence, Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence.

The City’s FY 2025 Budget, approved last month, invests more than $35 million to prevent and intervene in domestic violence. These funds are directed to increase awareness of domestic violence services and resources; provide emergency law enforcement and crisis advocacy assistance; deliver direct case management services based on each person’s situation; and support housing, legal, and family care needs.

Following a six-month public education period, through the new Domestic Violence Signage Ordinance, the City is increasing awareness about domestic violence and linking people to critical resources. October was also acknowledged as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a City proclamation during City Council’s ‘A Session’ on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Many City departments engage in domestic violence interventions, services and support:

• The San Antonio Police Department's (SAPD) Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigates, prevents, and prosecutes crimes against children, sexual crimes, and domestic violence.
• The Metropolitan Health District provides crisis advocacy, and case management services, to victims and their families and supports the City/County Collaborative on Domestic Violence (CCDV) efforts.
• The Department of Human Services provides childcare services and, with the assistance of community partners, provides support services to victims.
• The City Attorney’s Office provides legal and support services for domestic violence victims.
• Municipal Court provides judicial and court services for people affected by domestic violence.

Other City departments, such as San Antonio Fire (SAFD), Neighborhood and Housing Services (NHSD), and Animal Care Services (ACS), provide support services through their existing programs.

“The City of San Antonio is funding services and programs that align with the strategies of the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence and the San Antonio Violence Prevention Strategic Plan,” said María Villagómez, Deputy City Manager and Co-Chair of the CCDV. “Our person-centered approach provides direct services and connects people to a larger system of support across the community.”

For anyone experiencing a domestic violence emergency, please call or text 9-1-1.

For resources and other assistance, call 2-1-1 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).