    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8575--OCT. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8575 of October 1, 2010
    National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act
    (VAWA), we have broken the silence surrounding domestic violence to
    reach thousands of survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and
    save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical achievements,
    domestic violence remains a devastating public health crisis when one in
    four women will be physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some
    point in her lifetime. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we
    recognize the tremendous progress made in reducing domestic violence,
    and we recommit to making everyone's home a safe place for them.
    My Administration is committed to reducing the prevalence of domestic
    violence. Last year, I appointed the first-ever White House Advisor on
    Violence Against Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies
    working together to end domestic violence in this country. Together with
    community efforts, these Federal programs are making important strides
    towards eliminating abuse.
    The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a lifeline for domestic
    violence victims. Before I signed this legislation in March, insurance
    companies in eight States and the District of Columbia were able to
    classify domestic violence as a pre-existing condition, leaving victims
    at risk of not receiving vital treatment when they are most vulnerable.
    Now, victims need not fear the additional burden of increased medical
    bills as they attempt to protect themselves and rebuild their lives.
    Individuals of every race, gender, and background face domestic
    violence, but some communities are disproportionately affected. In order
    to combat the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in
    tribal areas, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to strengthen tribal

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    law enforcement and its ability to prosecute and fight crime more
    effectively. This important legislation will also help survivors of
    domestic violence get the medical attention, services, support, and
    justice they need.
    Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims or witnesses,
    also need our help. Without intervention, they are at higher risk for
    failure in school, emotional disorders, substance abuse, and
    perpetrating violent behavior later in life. That is why my
    Administration has launched the ``Defending Childhood'' initiative at
    the Department of Justice to revitalize prevention, intervention, and
    response systems for children exposed to violence. The Department of
    Health and Human Services is also expanding services and enhancing
    community responses for children exposed to violence.
    Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative effort involving every
    part of our society. Our law enforcement and justice system must work to
    hold offenders accountable and to protect victims and their children.
    Business, faith, and community leaders, as well as educators, health
    care providers, and human service professionals, also have a role to
    play in communicating that domestic violence is always unacceptable. As
    a Nation, we must endeavor to protect survivors, bring offenders to
    justice, and change attitudes that support such violence. I encourage
    victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to call the National
    Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit:
    www.TheHotline.org.
    This month--and throughout the year--let each of us resolve to be
    vigilant in recognizing and combating domestic violence in our
    communities, and let us build a culture of safety and support for all
    those affected.
    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 2010 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 ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA