[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5377-5378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2634]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 23 / Friday, February 3, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 5377]]


                Proclamation 8777 of January 31, 2012

                
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and 
                Prevention Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In America, an alarming number of young people 
                experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as part 
                of a controlling or violent dating relationship. The 
                consequences of dating violence--spanning impaired 
                development to physical harm--pose a threat to the 
                health and well-being of teens across our Nation, and 
                it is essential we come together to break the cycle of 
                violence that burdens too many of our sons and 
                daughters. This month, we recommit to providing 
                critical support and services for victims of dating 
                violence and empowering teens with the tools to 
                cultivate healthy, respectful relationships.

                Though we have made substantial progress in the fight 
                to reduce violence against women, dating violence 
                remains a reality for millions of young people. In a 12 
                month period, one in 10 high school students nationwide 
                reported they were physically hurt on purpose by their 
                boyfriend or girlfriend, and still more experienced 
                verbal or emotional abuse like shaming, bullying, or 
                threats. Depression, substance abuse, and health 
                complications are among the long-term impacts that may 
                follow in the wake of an abusive relationship. 
                Tragically, dating violence can also lead to other 
                forms of violence, including sexual assault. These 
                outcomes are unacceptable, and we must do more to 
                prevent dating violence and ensure the health and 
                safety of our Nation's youth.

                The path toward a future free of dating violence begins 
                with awareness. As part of my Administration's ongoing 
                commitment to engaging individuals and communities in 
                this important work, Vice President Joe Biden launched 
                the 1is2many initiative last September. In concert with 
                awareness programs occurring across Federal agencies, 
                the initiative calls on young men and women to take 
                action against dating violence and sexual assault and 
                help advance public understanding of the realities of 
                abuse. The National Dating Abuse Helpline offers 
                information and support to individuals struggling with 
                unhealthy relationships. For immediate and confidential 
                advice and referrals, I encourage concerned teens and 
                their loved ones to contact the Helpline at 1-866-331-
                9474, text ``loveis'' to 77054, or visit: 
                www.LoveIsRespect.org. Additional resources are 
                available at: www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence.

                My Administration continues to promote new and proven 
                strategies to target teen dating violence. Last 
                November, we announced the winners of the Apps Against 
                Abuse technology challenge, concluding a national 
                competition to develop innovative new tools that will 
                empower young Americans and help prevent dating 
                violence and sexual assault. As we move forward, we 
                will continue to collaborate with both public and 
                private partners to bring new violence prevention 
                strategies to individuals and communities across our 
                Nation. To learn more, visit: www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many 1is2many.

                Reducing violence against teens and young adults is an 
                important task for all of us. This month, we renew our 
                commitment to breaking the silence

[[Page 5378]]

                about dating abuse and fostering a culture of respect 
                in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our homes.

                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 February 2012 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 twelve, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-2634
Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P