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

 
Proclamation 8769 of December 28, 2011

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2012
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In our schools and in our neighborhoods, at home and in workplaces
across our Nation, stalking endangers the physical and emotional well-
being of millions of American men and women every year. Too often,
stalking goes unreported and unaddressed, and we must take action
against this unacceptable abuse. This month, we stand with all those who
have been affected by stalking and strengthen our resolve to prevent
this crime before it occurs.
Stalkers inspire fear through intimidation, explicit or implied threats,
and nonconsensual communication--often by telephone, text message, or
email--that can cause severe emotional and physical distress. Many
victims suffer anxiety attacks, feelings of anger or helplessness, and
depression. Fearing for their safety, some are forced to relocate or
change jobs to protect themselves. And, tragically, stalking can be a
precursor to more violent offenses, including sexual assault and
homicide. The consequences of this crime are real, and they take a
profound and ongoing toll on men, women, teens, and children across our
country.
Despite the dangerous reality of stalking, public awareness and legal
responses to this crime remain limited. New data show that one in six
women and one in 19 men have experienced stalking that caused them

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to be very fearful or feel that they or someone close to them were in
immediate physical danger. Among men and women alike, victims are most
commonly stalked by current or former intimate partners, and young
adults are at the highest risk for stalking victimization. Though
stalking can occur in any community, shame, fear of retribution, or
concerns that they will not be supported lead many victims to forego
reporting the crime to the police. As we strive to reverse this trend,
we must do more to promote public awareness and support for survivors of
stalking.
My Administration is working to advance protection and services for
stalking victims, empower survivors to break the cycle of abuse, and
bring an end to violence against women and men. With unprecedented
coordination between Federal agencies, we are promoting new tools to
decrease the incidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating
violence, and stalking, and we are taking action to ensure perpetrators
are held accountable. To reinforce these efforts, advocates, law
enforcement officials, and others who work with victims must continue to
improve their capacity to respond with swift and comprehensive action.
From raising awareness to pursuing criminal justice, all of us have a
role to play in stopping this senseless and harmful behavior.
This month, let us come together to prevent abuse, violence, and
harassment in all their forms and renew our commitment to bring care and
support to those in need.
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 2012 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, and to
create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
of December, 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