[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