[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62303-62304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25575]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62303]]


                Proclamation 8575 of October 1, 2010

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence 
                Against Women Act (VAWA), we have broken the silence 
                surrounding domestic violence to reach thousands of 
                survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and 
                save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical 
                achievements, domestic violence remains a devastating 
                public health crisis when one in four women will be 
                physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some 
                point in her lifetime. During Domestic Violence 
                Awareness Month, we recognize the tremendous progress 
                made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to 
                making everyone's home a safe place for them.

                My Administration is committed to reducing the 
                prevalence of domestic violence. Last year, I appointed 
                the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against 
                Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies 
                working together to end domestic violence in this 
                country. Together with community efforts, these Federal 
                programs are making important strides towards 
                eliminating abuse.

                The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a 
                lifeline for domestic violence victims. Before I signed 
                this legislation in March, insurance companies in eight 
                States and the District of Columbia were able to 
                classify domestic violence as a pre-existing condition, 
                leaving victims at risk of not receiving vital 
                treatment when they are most vulnerable. Now, victims 
                need not fear the additional burden of increased 
                medical bills as they attempt to protect themselves and 
                rebuild their lives.

                Individuals of every race, gender, and background face 
                domestic violence, but some communities are 
                disproportionately affected. In order to combat the 
                prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in 
                tribal areas, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to 
                strengthen tribal law enforcement and its ability to 
                prosecute and fight crime more effectively. This 
                important legislation will also help survivors of 
                domestic violence get the medical attention, services, 
                support, and justice they need.

                Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims 
                or witnesses, also need our help. Without intervention, 
                they are at higher risk for failure in school, 
                emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating 
                violent behavior later in life. That is why my 
                Administration has launched the ``Defending Childhood'' 
                initiative at the Department of Justice to revitalize 
                prevention, intervention, and response systems for 
                children exposed to violence. The Department of Health 
                and Human Services is also expanding services and 
                enhancing community responses for children exposed to 
                violence.

                Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative 
                effort involving every part of our society. Our law 
                enforcement and justice system must work to hold 
                offenders accountable and to protect victims and their 
                children. Business, faith, and communityleaders, as 
                well as educators, health care providers, and human 
                service professionals, also have a role to play in 
                communicating that domestic violence is always 
                unacceptable. As a Nation, we must endeavor to protect 
                survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change

[[Page 62304]]

                attitudes that support such violence. I encourage 
                victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to 
                call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-
                799SAFE or visit: www.TheHotline.org.

                This month--and throughout the year--let each of us 
                resolve to be vigilant in recognizing and combating 
                domestic violence in our communities, and let us build 
                a culture of safety and support for all those affected.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of 
                theUnited States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as 
                National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on 
                all Americans to speak out against domestic violence 
                and support local efforts to assist victims of these 
                crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-25575
Filed 10-7-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P