[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62169-62170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-25468]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 193 / Friday, October 4, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62169]]


                Proclamation 7601 of October 1, 2002

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Domestic violence in America is intolerable and must be 
                stopped. According to the 2000 National Crime 
                Victimization Survey, almost 700,000 incidents of 
                violence between partners were documented in our 
                Nation, and thousands more go unreported. And in the 
                past quarter century, almost 57,000 Americans were 
                murdered by a partner. Children who witness domestic 
                violence often grow up believing that physical cruelty 
                in relationships is acceptable behavior, and thus they 
                may tend to perpetuate a cycle of violence in society.

                Many Federal, State, and local programs addressing the 
                domestic violence problem have achieved success, 
                bringing greater safety to families. The success of 
                coordinated community-based efforts is helping us win 
                the battle against domestic violence. Community 
                leaders, police, judges, advocates, healthcare workers, 
                and concerned Americans are working together across 
                America to develop solutions to this serious problem 
                and to implement services that will improve our 
                responses when it occurs. For example, many police 
                departments and district attorneys offices have created 
                specialized domestic violence units that cooperate with 
                community advocates to enhance services for victims; 
                and representatives from the faith community frequently 
                provide essential support in areas where there may be 
                no other services available. Programs designed to 
                educate men and women about ways they can help prevent 
                domestic violence are being developed across our 
                Nation. Every citizen has the ability to aid and assist 
                those suffering from domestic abuse and to let victims 
                know that support is available through shelters, 
                hotlines, and other services.

                To better assist victims in need, my Administration 
                recently implemented funding for new programs to 
                improve outreach and services for people who are older 
                or who have disabilities.

                We have also intensified our efforts to provide 
                meaningful access to Federally sponsored programs for 
                individuals with limited English proficiency, making it 
                easier for them to escape violence, report crime, and 
                gain access to community services.

                We must continue to hold domestic abusers accountable; 
                we must punish them to the full extent of the law; and 
                we must prevent them from inflicting more abuse. 
                Protective orders are helpful and can be enforced in 
                every jurisdiction in our country, which means their 
                power extends across State lines and onto tribal lands. 
                This legal authority makes it easier for police and 
                prosecutors to keep aggressors away from their intended 
                targets. Many abusers become more dangerous after 
                court-enforced separation from their victims and often 
                use visitation or exchange of children as an 
                opportunity to inflict abuse. We are working to expand 
                programs that improve the safety of family members in 
                these situations.

                During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge all 
                Americans to join together in recommitting themselves 
                to eliminating domestic violence and reaching out to 
                its victims, letting them know that help is available. 
                With

[[Page 62170]]

                dedication and vigilance, we can increase safety for 
                thousands of our citizens and bring hope to countless 
                Americans.

                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 2002 as National 
                Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans 
                to become a part of the coordinated community response 
                to domestic violence and to send the message that this 
                crime will not be tolerated in our Nation.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-25468
Filed 10-3-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P