The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved two motions on Feb. 14 to expand shelter capacity and strengthen enforcement of domestic-violence restraining orders.

Councilmember Yaroslavsky introduced the motions, saying the actions would “make the largest investment in domestic violence services in LA history” and expand shelter capacity by about 13 percent while investing in wraparound services, enforcement and a new restraining-order task force. “Survivors deserve more than words,” Yaroslavsky said in urging colleagues to vote.

The motions direct funding and coordination among the City Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department and other partners to improve enforcement of restraining orders and to ensure firearms are removed from people subject to such orders when required under California law. Councilmembers noted that local enforcement remains a challenge: the motion calls for a task force to coordinate follow-up and close enforcement gaps.

Council members also emphasized shelter capacity that will “count toward our obligations under the alliance settlement,” according to Yaroslavsky’s remarks. Supporters described the package as a mix of immediate shelter expansion and services intended to keep survivors safe after they leave an abusive situation.

The motions passed on recorded voice votes of 13 ayes with no noes or abstentions. Councilmembers said the measures pair capacity increases with enforcement tools and that the city would coordinate existing local resources and nonprofits to implement the changes quickly.

Why this matters

Council leaders described the motions as a direct response to data showing demand far outstrips shelter availability. Yaroslavsky cited figures including more than 15,000 hotline requests for shelter last year and thousands of domestic-violence related 911 calls as evidence of high need.

What’s next

The council’s directions include forming the restraining-order task force and allocating funding to shelter providers and enforcement activities; staff from LAPD, the City Attorney and relevant departments will coordinate implementation and return to council as needed.