SAN ANTONIO — Public restrooms in San Antonio will soon have to display resources for victims of domestic violence due to a new city-wide ordinance.
According to Metro Health, San Antonio has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Texas.
Starting this fall, this sign must go up in public restrooms of all genders. It will be an adhesive decal and it must be placed at the bottom right corner of the restroom mirror. It’s billigual and shows the National Domestic Violence hotline. It also has a QR code that will link you to more resources.
If no mirror is available, then businesses can place the sign on the back of the restroom door.
This is just the latest initiative by the City of San Antonio to fight against domestic violence.
In 2022, SAPD filed 20,000 family violence reports and close to 17,000 the year before that. City leaders and advocates hope this new program will reach out to women and men in one of the few places they can escape to from their abuser.
“That signage on the door will speak to that person, and the person will know what resource to call for help,” said Marta Pelaez, President, Family Violence Prevention Center.
She says this is all about protecting San Antonio, especially children, who are affected by domestic violence at home.
The city ordinance will make these stickers mandatory and enforcement will be carried out by Metro Health.
Metro Health will be providing the signs at no cost to establishments.
If a sign has not been received, busineeses can request one by calling the city’s hotline at 3-1-1.
You can also contact (210) 207-7776.
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