[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 61811-61812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24385]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 193 / Friday, October 4, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 61811]]


                Proclamation 9031 of September 30, 2013

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act 
                (VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our Nation's response to 
                domestic violence has greatly improved. What was too 
                often seen as a private matter best hidden behind 
                closed doors is now an established issue of national 
                concern. We have changed our laws, transformed our 
                culture, and improved support services for survivors. 
                We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence 
                homicides and improved training for police, 
                prosecutors, and advocates. Yet we must do more to 
                provide protection and justice for survivors and to 
                prevent violence from occurring. During National 
                Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with 
                domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our Nation's 
                progress in combatting these despicable crimes, and 
                resolve to carry on until domestic violence is no more.

                Although we have made substantial progress in reducing 
                domestic violence, one in four women and one in seven 
                men in the United States still suffer serious physical 
                violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least 
                once during their lifetimes. Every day, three women 
                lose their lives in this country as a result of 
                domestic violence. Millions of Americans live in daily, 
                silent fear within their own homes.

                My Administration remains devoted to halting this 
                devastating violence. To lead by example, last year I 
                directed Federal agencies to develop policies to assist 
                victims of domestic violence in the Federal workforce. 
                Earlier this year, Vice President Biden announced new 
                grants for initiatives that aim to reduce domestic 
                violence homicides across our country.

                This past spring, I signed the Violence Against Women 
                Reauthorization Act. The Act provides law enforcement 
                with better resources to investigate cases of rape, 
                gives colleges more tools to educate students about 
                dating violence and sexual assault, and empowers tribal 
                courts to prosecute those who commit domestic violence 
                on tribal lands, regardless of whether the aggressor is 
                a member of the tribe. In addition, VAWA will continue 
                to allow relief for immigrant victims of domestic 
                violence, and LGBT victims will receive care and 
                assistance.

                Thanks to the landmark Affordable Care Act, insurance 
                companies will be prohibited from denying coverage 
                because of pre-existing conditions, and new health 
                plans must cover domestic violence screening and 
                counseling with no copayments or cost sharing. Millions 
                will have the chance to sign up for affordable care 
                through the new Health Insurance Marketplace by 
                visiting www.HealthCare.gov beginning October 1.

                Ending violence in the home is a national imperative 
                that requires vigilance and dedication from every 
                sector of our society. We must continue to stand 
                alongside advocates, victim service providers, law 
                enforcement, and our criminal justice system as they 
                hold offenders accountable and provide care and support 
                to survivors. But our efforts must extend beyond the 
                criminal justice system to include housing and economic 
                advocacy for survivors. We must work with young people 
                to stop violence before it starts. We must also reach 
                out to friends and loved ones who have suffered from 
                domestic violence, and we must tell them they are not 
                alone. I encourage

[[Page 61812]]

                victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to 
                learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence 
                Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting 
                www.TheHotline.org.

                This October, let us honor National Domestic Violence 
                Awareness Month by promoting peace in our own families, 
                homes, and communities. Let us renew our commitment to 
                end domestic violence--in every city, every town, and 
                every corner of America.

                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 2013 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 
                thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-24385
Filed 10-3-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4