[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