[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8877--OCT. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8877 of October 1, 2012

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or treated as a private
matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of
intervention. As we mark the 18th anniversary of the landmark Violence
Against Women Act, authored by Vice President Joe Biden, we reflect on
how far we have come. We have made significant progress in changing laws
and attitudes, providing support to survivors, and reducing the
incidence of domestic violence. But we also know that we have not come
far enough, and that there is more work left to be done. During National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been
affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups
who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to
putting an end to domestic violence in America.
Despite considerable progress in reducing domestic violence, an average
of three women in the United States lose their lives every day as a
result of these unconscionable acts. And while women between the ages of
16 and 24 are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence,
domestic violence affects people regardless of gender, age, sexual
orientation, race, or religion. Tragically, without intervention,
children exposed to such violence can suffer serious long-term
consequences that may include difficulty in school, post-traumatic
disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and criminal behavior.
My Administration remains committed to getting victims the help they
need, from emergency shelter and legal assistance to transitional
housing and services for children. We are also working to stop violence
before it starts. Last year, agencies across the Federal Government held
town hall meetings nationwide to promote men's roles in ending violence
against women. Through Vice President Biden's 1is2many initiative, we
built on that progress earlier this year by releasing a public service
announcement that features professional athletes and other role models
speaking out against dating violence. This April, I directed leaders
throughout my Administration to increase efforts to prevent and combat
domestic violence involving Federal employees and address its effects on
the Federal workforce. Since August, the Affordable Care Act has
required most insurance plans to make domestic violence screening and
counseling available as a preventive service for women--without co-
payments, deductibles, or other cost-sharing. And most recently, we
developed a new initiative to reduce domestic violence homicides through
high risk screening and linking victims with services. Moreover, my
Administration looks forward to working with


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the Congress to strengthen and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
While government must do its part, all Americans can play a role in
ending domestic violence. Each of us can promote healthy relationships,
speak out when we see injustice in our communities, stand with survivors
we know, and change attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. We
must also ensure that survivors of domestic violence know they are not
alone, and that there are resources available to them. I encourage
victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by
calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by
visiting www.TheHotline.org.
This month, let us renew our efforts to support victims of domestic
violence in their time of greatest need, and to realize an America where
no one lives in fear because they feel unsafe in their own home.
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 2012 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 twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA