[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20499-20500]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8335]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20499]]


                Proclamation 8794 of April 2, 2012

                
National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention 
                Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Though we have come far in the fight to reduce sexual 
                violence, the prevalence of sexual assault remains an 
                affront to our national conscience that we cannot 
                ignore. This month, we stand with survivors of sexual 
                assault, join together to break the silence, and 
                recommit to ending this devastating crime.

                Rape and sexual assault inflict profound suffering upon 
                millions of Americans every year. Nearly one in five 
                women has been raped, and still more have endured other 
                forms of sexual violence or abuse. Tragically, these 
                crimes take their greatest toll on young people; women 
                between the ages of 16 and 24 are at greatest risk of 
                rape and sexual assault, and many victims, male and 
                female, first experience abuse during childhood. The 
                trauma of sexual violence leaves scars that may never 
                fully heal. Many survivors experience depression, fear, 
                and suicidal feelings in the months and years following 
                an assault, and some face health problems that last a 
                lifetime.

                It is up to all of us to ensure victims of sexual 
                violence are not left to face these trials alone. Too 
                often, survivors suffer in silence, fearing 
                retribution, lack of support, or that the criminal 
                justice system will fail to bring the perpetrator to 
                justice. We must do more to raise awareness about the 
                realities of sexual assault; confront and change 
                insensitive attitudes wherever they persist; enhance 
                training and education in the criminal justice system; 
                and expand access to critical health, legal, and 
                protection services for survivors. As we fight sexual 
                assault in our communities, so must we combat this 
                crime within our Armed Forces. The Department of 
                Defense provides additional resources for service 
                members and military families at 1-877-995-5247 and at: 
                www.SafeHelpline.org.

                With the leadership of Vice President Joe Biden, my 
                Administration is working to stop sexual violence 
                before it begins and ensure justice for the countless 
                men, women, and children who have already been harmed. 
                Last year, we introduced comprehensive guidance to 
                schools, colleges, and universities to clarify their 
                obligations under existing civil rights law to prevent 
                and respond to campus sexual assault. In January, we 
                issued a revised definition of rape that will improve 
                our understanding of where and how often this crime 
                occurs. And today, we are collaborating with private 
                organizations and agencies at every level of government 
                to bolster advocacy and assistance for victims of 
                sexual violence. All of us share a responsibility to 
                those in need. By standing with survivors of rape and 
                sexual assault and helping them secure the support and 
                services they deserve, we do right by the ideals of 
                compassion and service at the heart of the American 
                character. For additional information and resources, 
                visit: www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

                During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention 
                Month, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of 
                violence that threatens lives, erodes communities, and 
                weakens our country. As we reflect on the progress we

[[Page 20500]]

                have made and the distance we have yet to go, let us 
                recommit to empowering survivors and fighting for a 
                safer future for every American.

                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 April 2012 as 
                National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. 
                I urge all Americans to support survivors of sexual 
                assault and work together to prevent these crimes in 
                their communities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of April, 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. 2012-8335
Filed 4-4-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P