[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60611-60612]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24682]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 60611]]


                Proclamation 8877 of October 1, 2012

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or 
                treated as a private matter where victims were left to 
                suffer in silence without hope of intervention. As we 
                mark the 18th anniversary of the landmark Violence 
                Against Women Act, authored by Vice President Joe 
                Biden, we reflect on how far we have come. We have made 
                significant progress in changing laws and attitudes, 
                providing support to survivors, and reducing the 
                incidence of domestic violence. But we also know that 
                we have not come far enough, and that there is more 
                work left to be done. During National Domestic Violence 
                Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been 
                affected by this terrible crime, recognize the 
                individuals and groups who have stepped forward to 
                break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an 
                end to domestic violence in America.

                Despite considerable progress in reducing domestic 
                violence, an average of three women in the United 
                States lose their lives every day as a result of these 
                unconscionable acts. And while women between the ages 
                of 16 and 24 are among the most vulnerable to intimate 
                partner violence, domestic violence affects people 
                regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or 
                religion. Tragically, without intervention, children 
                exposed to such violence can suffer serious long-term 
                consequences that may include difficulty in school, 
                post-traumatic disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and 
                criminal behavior.

                My Administration remains committed to getting victims 
                the help they need, from emergency shelter and legal 
                assistance to transitional housing and services for 
                children. We are also working to stop violence before 
                it starts. Last year, agencies across the Federal 
                Government held town hall meetings nationwide to 
                promote men's roles in ending violence against women. 
                Through Vice President Biden's 1is2many initiative, we 
                built on that progress earlier this year by releasing a 
                public service announcement that features professional 
                athletes and other role models speaking out against 
                dating violence. This April, I directed leaders 
                throughout my Administration to increase efforts to 
                prevent and combat domestic violence involving Federal 
                employees and address its effects on the Federal 
                workforce. Since August, the Affordable Care Act has 
                required most insurance plans to make domestic violence 
                screening and counseling available as a preventive 
                service for women--without co-payments, deductibles, or 
                other cost-sharing. And most recently, we developed a 
                new initiative to reduce domestic violence homicides 
                through high risk screening and linking victims with 
                services. Moreover, my Administration looks forward to 
                working with the Congress to strengthen and reauthorize 
                the Violence Against Women Act.

                While government must do its part, all Americans can 
                play a role in ending domestic violence. Each of us can 
                promote healthy relationships, speak out when we see 
                injustice in our communities, stand with survivors we 
                know, and change attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of 
                abuse. We must also ensure that survivors of domestic 
                violence know they are not alone, and that there are 
                resources available to them. I encourage victims, their 
                loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by 
                calling the National

[[Page 60612]]

                Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by 
                visiting www.TheHotline.org.

                This month, let us renew our efforts to support victims 
                of domestic violence in their time of greatest need, 
                and to realize an America where no one lives in fear 
                because they feel unsafe in their own home.

                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 2012 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 
                first day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-24682
Filed 10-3-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3