[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 23 (Thursday, February 3, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6307-6308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2576]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 23 / Thursday, February 3, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 6307]]


                Proclamation 8626 of January 31, 2011

                
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and 
                Prevention Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention 
                Month reflects our Nation's growing understanding that 
                violence within relationships often begins during 
                adolescence. Each year, about one in four teens report 
                being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or 
                sexual violence. Abusive relationships can impact 
                adolescent development, and teens who experience dating 
                violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and 
                health consequences. Adolescents in controlling or 
                violent relationships may carry these dangerous and 
                unhealthy patterns into future relationships. The time 
                to break the cycle of teen dating violence is now, 
                before another generation falls victim to this tragedy.

                Though many communities face the problem of teen dating 
                violence, young people can be afraid to discuss it, or 
                they may not recognize the severity of physical, 
                emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults 
                can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young 
                people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its 
                occurrence. To help stop abuse before it starts, 
                mentors and leaders must stress the importance of 
                mutual respect and challenge representations in popular 
                culture that can lead young people to accept unhealthy 
                behavior in their relationships.

                Our efforts to take on teen dating violence must 
                address the social realities of adolescent life today. 
                Technology such as cell phones, email, and social 
                networking websites play a major role in many 
                teenagers' lives, but these tools are sometimes 
                tragically used for control, stalking, and 
                victimization. Emotional abuse using digital 
                technology, including frequent text messages, 
                threatening emails, and the circulation of embarrassing 
                messages or photographs without consent, can be 
                devastating to young teens. I encourage concerned 
                teens, parents, and loved ones to contact the National 
                Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit 
                www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and 
                confidential advice and referrals.

                My Administration is committed to engaging a broad 
                spectrum of community partners to curb and prevent teen 
                dating violence. The Department of Justice's Office on 
                Violence Against Women supports collaborative efforts 
                to enhance teens' understanding of healthy 
                relationships, help them identify signs of abuse, and 
                assist them in locating services. Resources are 
                available at: www.OVW.USDOJ.gov/teen_dating_violence.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and 
                Prevention also provide tools to help prevent dating 
                violence among teens. More information is available at: 
                www.CDC.gov/ChooseRespect.

                During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and 
                Prevention Month--and throughout the year--let each of 
                us resolve to do our part to break the silence and 
                create a culture of healthy relationships for all our 
                young people. Adults who respect themselves, their 
                partners, and their neighbors demonstrate positive 
                behaviors to our children--lessons that will help them 
                lead safe and happy lives free from violence.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution

[[Page 6308]]

                and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
                February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence 
                Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all 
                Americans to support efforts in their communities and 
                schools, and in their own families, to empower young 
                people to develop healthy relationships throughout 
                their lives and to engage in activities that prevent 
                and respond to teen dating violence.

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

[FR Doc. 2011-2576
Filed 2-2-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P