[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.

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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