[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8931--JAN. 31, 2013

Proclamation 8931 of January 31, 2013

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This year, it is estimated that 1 in 10 teens will be hurt intentionally
by someone they are dating. While this type of abuse cuts across lines
of age and gender, young women are disproportionately affected by both
dating violence and sexual assault. This month, we stand with those who
have known the pain and isolation of an abusive relationship, and we
recommit to ending the cycle of violence that affects too many of our
sons and daughters.
Whether physical or emotional, dating violence can leave scars that last
a lifetime. Teens who suffer abuse at the hands of a partner are more
likely to struggle in school, develop depression, or turn to drugs or
alcohol. Victims are also at greater risk of experiencing the same
patterns of violence later in life. These tragic realities tug at our
conscience, and they call upon us to ensure survivors of abuse get the
services and support they need.
We also have a responsibility to make dating violence an act that is
never tolerated in our communities, among those we know, or in our own
lives. That is why my Administration has made preventing abuse a
priority. We continue to support educators, advocates, and organizations
who are advancing outreach and education, and we are harnessing the
power of technology to get the message out under Vice President Joe
Biden's 1is2many initiative. Last June, we built on those efforts by
launching a new public service announcement that features professional
athletes and other role models speaking out against dating violence. And
in the months ahead, we will keep working to empower all Americans in
the fight against abuse. To learn more, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/
1is2many.
Each of us has an obligation to stand against dating violence when we
see it. This month, as we remember that important lesson, let us
rededicate ourselves to making its promise real. I encourage all
Americans seeking immediate and confidential advice regarding dating
violence to contact the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-
9474, by texting ``loveis'' to 77054, or by visiting



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www.LoveIsRespect.org. Additional resources are available at
www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence.
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 February 2013 as
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call
upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools,
and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy
relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that
prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA