[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8727 of October 3, 2011

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the significant
achievements we have made in reducing domestic violence in America, and
we recommit ourselves to the important work still before us. Despite
tremendous progress, an average of three women in America die as a
result of domestic violence each day. One in four women and one in
thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. These
statistics are even more sobering when we consider that domestic
violence often goes unreported.
The ramifications of domestic violence are staggering. Young women are
among the most vulnerable, suffering the highest rates of intimate
partner violence. Exposure to domestic violence puts our young men and
women in danger of long-term physical, psychological, and emotional
harm. Children who experience domestic violence are at a higher risk for
failure in school, emotional disorders, and substance abuse, and are
more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence themselves later in
life.
My Administration is working not only to curb domestic violence, but to
bring it to an end. Last year, we announced an unprecedented coordinated
strategy across Federal agencies to prevent and stop violence against
women. We are empowering survivors to break the cycle of abuse with
programs to help them become financially independent. We have prevented
victims of domestic violence from being evicted or denied assisted
housing after abuse. And we are promoting tools for better enforcement
of protective orders, while helping survivors gain access to legal
representation.
In addition, as part of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of
Health and Human Services announced historic new guidelines that will
ensure women receive preventive health services without additional cost,
including domestic violence screening and counseling. The Affordable
Care Act also ensures that insurance companies can no longer classify
domestic violence as a pre-existing condition.
Last December, I reauthorized the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act, giving communities life-saving tools to help identify and treat
child abuse or neglect. It also supports shelters, service programs, and
the National Domestic Violence Hotline, linking tens of thousands of
victims every month to the resources needed to reach safety. I encourage
victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to use this hotline
for more information at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.

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This is not just a job for government; it is a job for all of us. Vice
President Joe Biden's ``1is2many'' initiative reminds us that everyone
has a part to play in ending violence against youth. By engaging men and
women, mothers and fathers, and schools and universities in the fight,
we can teach our children about healthy relationships. We are asking
everyone to play an active role in preventing and ending domestic
violence, by stepping up to stop violence when they see it. During
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit to making sure
that no one suffers alone, and to assisting those who need help in
reaching a safer tomorrow.
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 2011 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 third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA