[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