[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50525-50526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25040]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 50525]]

                Proclamation 7475 of October 1, 2001

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The social blight of domestic violence has continued to 
                burden America into the 21st Century. Our homes should 
                be places of safety and comfort. Tragically, domestic 
                violence can and does turn many homes into places of 
                torment. The grim facts speak for themselves: almost 
                one-third of American women murdered each year are 
                killed by their current or former partners, usually a 
                husband. Approximately 1 million women annually report 
                being stalked. And many children suffer or witness 
                abuse in their homes, which can sadly spawn legacies of 
                violence in families across America.

                Domestic violence spills over into schools and places 
                of work; and it affects people from every walk of life. 
                Though abuse may occur in the seclusion of a private 
                residence, its effects scar the face of our Nation.

                In the United States, we have strict laws intended to 
                hold domestic abusers accountable for their vile 
                conduct by bringing them to justice, but laws alone are 
                not enough. A comprehensive, coordinated approach must 
                shape our strategy to reduce domestic violence. 
                Accordingly, the Federal Government is partnering with 
                States, local communities, and other entities to 
                implement tough and effective mechanisms to respond to 
                reports of domestic violence.

                These efforts include specialized units in police 
                departments, and prosecutors offices that work with 
                local victims' advocates to make the criminal justice 
                system more responsive to victims and more retributive 
                to their abusers. Jurisdictions throughout the country 
                now provide legal assistance to ensure that when 
                victims try to escape abuse, they can obtain legal help 
                from attorneys who understand the dynamics of domestic 
                violence. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court 
                personnel, and service providers are working to improve 
                their responses to the often hidden victims of elder 
                abuse and violence against women with disabilities. 
                Moreover, thousands of communities now have shelters 
                and emergency services for abused women and their 
                children.

                As a Nation, we must prioritize addressing the problem 
                of domestic violence in our communities every day of 
                the year. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
                provides us with a special opportunity to emphasize 
                that domestic violence is a crime, to warn abusers that 
                they will be prosecuted, and to offer victims more aid 
                and support. We can and must radically reduce and work 
                to eliminate this scourge from our land. To succeed, 
                this effort must be echoed by officials from every 
                segment of the criminal justice system, Federal, State, 
                and local. Community leaders, health care 
                professionals, teachers, employers, friends, and 
                neighbors all will play an important role in 
                eradicating domestic violence.

                As we observe National Domestic Violence Awareness 
                Month, I call on all Americans to commit to preventing 
                domestic violence and to assist those who suffer from 
                it. These collective efforts will contribute to peace 
                in our homes, schools, places of work, and communities 
                and will help ensure the future safety of countless 
                children and adults.

[[Page 50526]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim October 2001, as National 
                Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans 
                to learn more about this terrible problem and to take 
                positive action in protecting communities and families 
                from its devastating effects.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-25040
Filed 10-3-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P