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

 
PROCLAMATION 9031--SEPT. 30, 2013

Proclamation 9031 of September 30, 2013

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) nearly 20
years ago, our Nation's response to domestic violence has greatly
improved. What was too often seen as a private matter best hidden behind
closed doors is now an established issue of national concern. We have
changed our laws, transformed our culture, and improved support services
for survivors. We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence
homicides and improved training for police, prosecutors, and advocates.
Yet we must do more to provide protection and justice for survivors and
to prevent violence from occurring. During National Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, we stand with domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our
Nation's progress in combatting these despicable crimes, and resolve to
carry on until domestic violence is no more.
Although we have made substantial progress in reducing domestic
violence, one in four women and one in seven men in the United States
still suffer serious physical violence at the hands of an intimate
partner at least once during their lifetimes. Every day, three women
lose their lives in this country as a result of domestic violence.
Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes.
My Administration remains devoted to halting this devastating violence.
To lead by example, last year I directed Federal agencies to develop
policies to assist victims of domestic violence in the Federal
workforce. Earlier this year, Vice President Biden announced new grants
for initiatives that aim to reduce domestic violence homicides across
our country.
This past spring, I signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization
Act. The Act provides law enforcement with better resources to
investigate cases of rape, gives colleges more tools to educate students
about dating violence and sexual assault, and empowers tribal courts to
prosecute those who commit domestic violence on tribal lands, regardless
of whether the aggressor is a member of the tribe. In addition, VAWA
will continue to allow relief for immigrant victims of domestic
violence, and LGBT victims will receive care and assistance.
Thanks to the landmark Affordable Care Act, insurance companies will be
prohibited from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and
new health plans must cover domestic violence screening and counseling
with no copayments or cost sharing. Millions will have the chance to
sign up for affordable care through the new Health Insurance Marketplace
by visiting www.HealthCare.gov beginning October 1.
Ending violence in the home is a national imperative that requires
vigilance and dedication from every sector of our society. We must
continue to stand alongside advocates, victim service providers, law
enforcement, and our criminal justice system as they hold offenders
accountable and provide care and support to survivors. But our efforts
must extend beyond the criminal justice system to include housing and
economic advocacy for survivors. We must work with young people to


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stop violence before it starts. We must also reach out to friends and loved
ones who have suffered from domestic violence, and we must tell them
they are not alone. 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 October, let us honor National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by
promoting peace in our own families, homes, and communities. Let us
renew our commitment to end domestic violence--in every city, every
town, and every corner of America.
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 2013 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 thirtieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA