[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 211-212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33797]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 3, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 211]]


                Proclamation 8769 of December 28, 2011

                
National Stalking Awareness Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In our schools and in our neighborhoods, at home and in 
                workplaces across our Nation, stalking endangers the 
                physical and emotional well-being of millions of 
                American men and women every year. Too often, stalking 
                goes unreported and unaddressed, and we must take 
                action against this unacceptable abuse. This month, we 
                stand with all those who have been affected by stalking 
                and strengthen our resolve to prevent this crime before 
                it occurs.

                Stalkers inspire fear through intimidation, explicit or 
                implied threats, and nonconsensual communication--often 
                by telephone, text message, or email--that can cause 
                severe emotional and physical distress. Many victims 
                suffer anxiety attacks, feelings of anger or 
                helplessness, and depression. Fearing for their safety, 
                some are forced to relocate or change jobs to protect 
                themselves. And, tragically, stalking can be a 
                precursor to more violent offenses, including sexual 
                assault and homicide. The consequences of this crime 
                are real, and they take a profound and ongoing toll on 
                men, women, teens, and children across our country.

                Despite the dangerous reality of stalking, public 
                awareness and legal responses to this crime remain 
                limited. New data show that one in six women and one in 
                19 men have experienced stalking that caused them to be 
                very fearful or feel that they or someone close to them 
                were in immediate physical danger. Among men and women 
                alike, victims are most commonly stalked by current or 
                former intimate partners, and young adults are at the 
                highest risk for stalking victimization. Though 
                stalking can occur in any community, shame, fear of 
                retribution, or concerns that they will not be 
                supported lead many victims to forego reporting the 
                crime to the police. As we strive to reverse this 
                trend, we must do more to promote public awareness and 
                support for survivors of stalking.

                My Administration is working to advance protection and 
                services for stalking victims, empower survivors to 
                break the cycle of abuse, and bring an end to violence 
                against women and men. With unprecedented coordination 
                between Federal agencies, we are promoting new tools to 
                decrease the incidence of domestic violence, sexual 
                assault, dating violence, and stalking, and we are 
                taking action to ensure perpetrators are held 
                accountable. To reinforce these efforts, advocates, law 
                enforcement officials, and others who work with victims 
                must continue to improve their capacity to respond with 
                swift and comprehensive action. From raising awareness 
                to pursuing criminal justice, all of us have a role to 
                play in stopping this senseless and harmful behavior.

                This month, let us come together to prevent abuse, 
                violence, and harassment in all their forms and renew 
                our commitment to bring care and support to those in 
                need.

                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 January 2012 as 
                National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all 
                Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking, 
                acknowledge stalking as a serious crime,

[[Page 212]]

                and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out 
                or ask for help. Let us also resolve to support victims 
                and survivors, and to create communities that are 
                secure and supportive for all Americans.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-eighth day of December, 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. 2011-33797
Filed 12-30-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P