[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 6, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 8349-8350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02758]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 25 / Wednesday, February 6, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 8349]]


                Proclamation 8931 of January 31, 2013

                
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and 
                Prevention Month, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                This year, it is estimated that 1 in 10 teens will be 
                hurt intentionally by someone they are dating. While 
                this type of abuse cuts across lines of age and gender, 
                young women are disproportionately affected by both 
                dating violence and sexual assault. This month, we 
                stand with those who have known the pain and isolation 
                of an abusive relationship, and we recommit to ending 
                the cycle of violence that affects too many of our sons 
                and daughters.

                Whether physical or emotional, dating violence can 
                leave scars that last a lifetime. Teens who suffer 
                abuse at the hands of a partner are more likely to 
                struggle in school, develop depression, or turn to 
                drugs or alcohol. Victims are also at greater risk of 
                experiencing the same patterns of violence later in 
                life. These tragic realities tug at our conscience, and 
                they call upon us to ensure survivors of abuse get the 
                services and support they need.

                We also have a responsibility to make dating violence 
                an act that is never tolerated in our communities, 
                among those we know, or in our own lives. That is why 
                my Administration has made preventing abuse a priority. 
                We continue to support educators, advocates, and 
                organizations who are advancing outreach and education, 
                and we are harnessing the power of technology to get 
                the message out under Vice President Joe Biden's 
                1is2many initiative. Last June, we built on those 
                efforts by launching a new public service announcement 
                that features professional athletes and other role 
                models speaking out against dating violence. And in the 
                months ahead, we will keep working to empower all 
                Americans in the fight against abuse. To learn more, 
                visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

                Each of us has an obligation to stand against dating 
                violence when we see it. This month, as we remember 
                that important lesson, let us rededicate ourselves to 
                making its promise real. I encourage all Americans 
                seeking immediate and confidential advice regarding 
                dating violence to contact the National Dating Abuse 
                Helpline at 1-866-331-9474, by texting ``loveis'' to 
                77054, or by visiting www.LoveIsRespect.org. Additional 
                resources are available at www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence datingviolence.

                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 2013 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.

[[Page 8350]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-02758
Filed 2-5-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3