San Antonio Metropolitan Health District on Dec. 19 said it is seeking feedback from local businesses and community members about a potential ordinance being considered by the San Antonio City Council.
According to a news release, the potential 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.
The five-minute survey is designed to gauge how the business community and community members feel about the potential ordinance as well as providing a space to share any concerns.
Metro Health also relaunched its annual awareness campaign on domestic violence risks during the holiday season and resources available to victims, the release said.
“The holidays can become stressful and dangerous for those who are in abusive relationships. We remind the community that domestic violence does not take a holiday and safety planning is critical this season for victims,” said Erica Haller-Stevenson, Metro Health’s public health administrator, in a statement.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a safety plan is a personalized road map 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, the release said.
If victims need help leaving an abusive partner this holiday season, they can call the San Antonio Police Department nonemergency 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.