COUNCIL AGENDA: 05/20/2025
FILE: 25-560
ITEM: 4.1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Bien Doan
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: 05/ 19/2025
APPROVED:
SUBJECT: Community-Led Solutions to Domestic Violence Report RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the Community-Led Solutions to Domestic Violence Report and direct the City Attorney to explore the legality of requiring the placement of safety placards in private businesses—either through existing authority or under State law—and return to the City Council with options.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote public safety and support vulnerable populations, the FY 2024-2025 Adopted Budget included funding for a new initiative aimed at combating human trafficking and gender-based violence. This project, originally proposed by my office, focuses on increasing public awareness and access to critical resources through the strategic placement of multilingual safety placards in public spaces.
The safety placards provide contact information for services related to human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault, and are displayed in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese to ensure broad accessibility. Placards are being installed at key public locations across the city, including City Hall, public libraries, community centers, and park facilities with an estimated completion time of June 30, 2025.
To further amplify the impact of this initiative, it is important to explore opportunities to expand the placement of safety placards into private businesses, particularly those that serve high volumes of customers or vulnerable populations. Partnering with local businesses—such as hotels, restaurants, salons, and transit hubs—can help extend the reach of vital information to individuals who may not frequent public facilities, thereby increasing the likelihood that those in need can access help discreetly and effectively.