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

 
PROCLAMATION 9075--DEC. 31, 2013

Proclamation 9075 of December 31, 2013

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2014
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Each January, we draw attention to a crime that will affect 1 in 6
American women at some point in their lives. Although young women are
disproportionately at risk, anyone can be a victim of stalking--
regardless of age, sex, background, or gender identity. While many
victims are stalked by ex-partners, sometimes the perpetrators are
acquaintances or even strangers. During National Stalking Awareness
Month, we extend our support to victims and renew our commitment to
holding their stalkers accountable.


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Stalkers seek to intimidate their victims through repeated unwanted
contact, including harassing phone calls, text messages, or emails.
Cyberstalking is increasingly prevalent, with more than one quarter of
stalking victims reporting being harassed through the Internet or
electronically monitored. Many victims suffer from anxiety, depression,
and insomnia, and some are forced to move or change jobs. Stalking all
too often goes unreported, yet it also tends to escalate over time,
putting victims at risk of sexual assault, physical abuse, or homicide.
My Administration remains dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of
stalking and ensuring survivors receive the support they need. Last
March, I was proud to sign the Violence Against Women Reauthorization
Act. Every time we renew this landmark legislation, we improve it, and
this time was no exception. This renewal expanded protections for Native
American and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims of
stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. It amended the Clery
Act to require colleges to report crime statistics on stalking,
continued to allow relief for immigrant victims, and strengthened
support and training programs that have proven effective in helping law
enforcement bring offenders to justice.
We also stand behind the tireless advocates who provide essential
services to victims. Along with law enforcement, prosecutors, court
personnel, and survivors, these devoted women and men are links in a
chain that has made a difference--one person, one family, one case at a
time. This month, let us resolve to strengthen this chain, bring
stalkers to justice, and give hope to everyone who has suffered from
this crime.
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 2014 as
National Stalking Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to
recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious
crime, and urge those affected 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 thirty-first day of
December, 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