    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9226--DEC. 31, 2014

    Proclamation 9226 of December 31, 2014

    National Stalking Awareness Month, 2015

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    In every State across our Nation, stalking is a crime. It is
    unacceptable behavior that violates the most basic principles of respect
    and decency, infringing on our fundamental right to feel safe and
    secure. At some point in their lives, 1 in 6 American women will be
    stalked. This abuse creates distress and takes a profound toll on its
    victims and our communities. This month, we extend our support to all
    those who have experienced stalking, and we renew our commitment to
    shine a light on this injustice.

    [[Page 4315]]

    Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact--which can include text
    messages, emails, and phone calls--that causes an individual to fear for
    their safety or the safety of loved ones. While young women are
    disproportionately at risk, anyone can be a victim, including children
    and men. Individuals who are stalked often know the perpetrator, but
    stalkers can also be acquaintances or strangers. Stalking is a serious
    offense with significant consequences. It is often detrimental to the
    physical and emotional well-being of the victim, and some are forced to
    move or change jobs. This behavior often escalates over time, and is
    sometimes followed by sexual assault or homicide.
    Addressing this hidden crime is part of my Administration's
    comprehensive strategy to combat violence against women, and stalking is
    one of the four areas addressed by the Violence Against Women Act. When
    I proudly signed the reauthorization of this historic law, we bolstered
    many of its provisions, including expanding safeguards against
    cyberstalking and protections for immigrants who have been victims of
    stalking. Across the Federal Government, we are building strong
    partnerships with those working to break the cycle of this abuse, and we
    remain dedicated to ending violence against women and men in all its
    forms.
    Our homes, schools, offices, and neighborhoods should be places where
    Americans feel secure and confident. During National Stalking Awareness
    Month, we join with the advocates, families, professionals, and
    survivors to amplify their refrain: If you are a victim of stalking, you
    are not alone. Together, let us continue to raise awareness of this
    violence and recommit to being part of the solution.
    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 2015 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 fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA