[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62291-62292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26147]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62291]]


                Proclamation 8727 of October 3, 2011

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize 
                the significant achievements we have made in reducing 
                domestic violence in America, and we recommit ourselves 
                to the important work still before us. Despite 
                tremendous progress, an average of three women in 
                America die as a result of domestic violence each day. 
                One in four women and one in thirteen men will 
                experience domestic violence in their lifetime. These 
                statistics are even more sobering when we consider that 
                domestic violence often goes unreported.

                 The ramifications of domestic violence are staggering. 
                Young women are among the most vulnerable, suffering 
                the highest rates of intimate partner violence. 
                Exposure to domestic violence puts our young men and 
                women in danger of long-term physical, psychological, 
                and emotional harm. Children who experience domestic 
                violence are at a higher risk for failure in school, 
                emotional disorders, and substance abuse, and are more 
                likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence themselves 
                later in life.

                 My Administration is working not only to curb domestic 
                violence, but to bring it to an end. Last year, we 
                announced an unprecedented coordinated strategy across 
                Federal agencies to prevent and stop violence against 
                women. We are empowering survivors to break the cycle 
                of abuse with programs to help them become financially 
                independent. We have prevented victims of domestic 
                violence from being evicted or denied assisted housing 
                after abuse. And we are promoting tools for better 
                enforcement of protective orders, while helping 
                survivors gain access to legal representation.

                 In addition, as part of the Affordable Care Act, the 
                Department of Health and Human Services announced 
                historic new guidelines that will ensure women receive 
                preventive health services without additional cost, 
                including domestic violence screening and counseling. 
                The Affordable Care Act also ensures that insurance 
                companies can no longer classify domestic violence as a 
                pre-existing condition.

                 Last December, I reauthorized the Child Abuse 
                Prevention and Treatment Act, giving communities life-
                saving tools to help identify and treat child abuse or 
                neglect. It also supports shelters, service programs, 
                and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, linking 
                tens of thousands of victims every month to the 
                resources needed to reach safety. I encourage victims, 
                their loved ones, and concerned citizens to use this 
                hotline for more information at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit 
                www.TheHotline.org.

                 This is not just a job for government; it is a job for 
                all of us. Vice President Joe Biden's ``1is2many'' 
                initiative reminds us that everyone has a part to play 
                in ending violence against youth. By engaging men and 
                women, mothers and fathers, and schools and 
                universities in the fight, we can teach our children 
                about healthy relationships. We are asking everyone to 
                play an active role in preventing and ending domestic 
                violence, by stepping up to stop violence when they see 
                it. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 
                we recommit to making sure that no one suffers alone, 
                and to assisting those who need help in reaching a 
                safer tomorrow.

[[Page 62292]]

                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 the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 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 
                third day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-26147
Filed 10-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P