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

    PROCLAMATION 9164--SEPT. 9, 2014

    Proclamation 9164 of September 9, 2014

    Twentieth Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Twenty years ago, our Nation came together to declare our commitment to
    end violence against women. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA),
    written by then United States Senator Joe Biden and signed into law on
    September 13, 1994, changed the way our country responds to domestic
    abuse and sexual assault. At a time when many considered domestic abuse
    to be a private family matter and victims were left to suffer in
    silence, this law enshrined a simple promise: every American should be
    able to pursue her or his own measure of happiness free from the fear of
    harm. On the anniversary of this landmark legislation, we rededicate
    ourselves to strengthening the protections it first codified, and we
    reaffirm the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse.
    The Violence Against Women Act created a vital network of services for
    victims. It expanded the number of shelters and rape crisis centers
    across America and established a national hotline. The law improved our
    criminal justice system and provided specialized training to law
    enforcement, helping them better understand the unique challenges
    victims face. It spurred new State laws and protections and changed the
    way people think about domestic abuse; today, more women are empowered
    to speak out, and more girls grow up aware of their right to be free
    from abuse.
    Last year, I was proud to renew our pledge to our mothers and daughters
    by reauthorizing VAWA and extending its protections--because no matter
    where you live or who you love, everybody deserves security, justice,
    and dignity. These new protections make Native American communities
    safer and more secure and help ensure victims do not face discrimination
    based on sexual orientation or gender identity when they seek
    assistance. They provide our law enforcement officials with better tools
    to investigate rape and increase access to housing so no woman has to
    choose between a violent home and no home at all. And my Administration
    continues to build on the foundation of this legislation, launching new
    initiatives to reduce teen dating violence and to combat sexual assault
    on college campuses.
    VAWA has provided hope, safety, and a new chance at life for women and
    children across our Nation. With advocates, law enforcement officers,
    and courageous women who have shared their stories joined in common
    purpose, our country has changed its culture; we have made clear to
    victims that they are not alone and reduced the incidence of

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    domestic violence. But we still have more work to do. Too many women
    continue to live in fear in their own homes, too many victims still know
    the pain of abuse, and too many families have had to mourn the loss of
    their loved ones. It has to end--because even one is too many. For as
    long as it takes, my Administration will keep pushing to make progress
    on our military bases, in our homes, at schools, and across our country.
    Two decades later, a tireless effort has yielded a better, stronger
    Nation. And on the anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, we
    continue to work toward a more perfect society, where the dreams of our
    mothers and daughters are not limited by fear and where every person can
    feel safe.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the Twentieth Anniversary
    of the Violence Against Women Act. I call upon men and women of all
    ages, communities, organizations, and all levels of government, to work
    in collaboration to end violence against women.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
    September, 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