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

    PROCLAMATION 8620--DEC. 21, 2010

    Proclamation 8620 of December 21, 2010
    National Stalking Awareness Month, 2011
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Stalking is a serious and pervasive crime that affects millions of
    Americans each year in communities throughout our country. Though we
    have gained a better understanding of stalking and its prevalence since
    the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, this dangerous
    and criminal behavior is still often mischaracterized as harmless.
    During Stalking Awareness Month, we acknowledge the seriousness of
    stalking, we recognize its impact on victims, and we recommit to
    reducing its incidence.
    Persistent stalking and harassment can lead to serious consequences for
    victims, whose lives may be upended by fear. Some victims may be forced
    to take extreme measures to protect themselves, such as changing jobs,
    relocating to a new home, or even assuming a new identity. Stalking can
    happen to anyone, and most victims are stalked by someone they know.
    Young adults are particularly vulnerable, and women are at greater risk
    for stalking victimization than men.
    Stalking can be a difficult crime to recognize. The majority of
    survivors do not report stalking victimization to the police, in part
    because perpetrators use a variety of tactics to intimidate and harass
    their victims. Increasingly, stalkers use modern technology to monitor
    and torment their victims, and one in four victims report some form of
    cyberstalking--such as threatening emails or instant messaging--as part
    of their harassment.
    My Administration is working across the Federal Government to protect
    victims of violence and enable survivors to break the cycle of abuse or
    harassment. Stalking affects too many Americans to remain a hidden
    crime, and a strong stand is required in order to both support victims
    and hold perpetrators accountable.
    As a Nation, we have made progress, but much work remains to respond to
    this criminal behavior. We must work together to educate the public
    about the potentially deadly nature of stalking, to encourage victims to
    seek help, to inform criminal justice professionals about the
    intersection of stalking and other dangerous crimes, and to support law
    enforcement in their efforts.

    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 January 2011 as
    National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to learn to
    recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious
    crime, and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out or ask for
    help. Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors,

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    and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all
    Americans.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day
    of December, 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