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

PROCLAMATION 9081--JAN. 31, 2014

Proclamation 9081 of January 31, 2014

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, 1 in 10 American teenagers suffers physical violence at the
hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend, and many others are sexually or
emotionally abused. Dating violence can inflict long-lasting pain,
putting survivors at increased risk of substance abuse, depression, poor
academic performance, and experiencing further violence from a partner.
During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we
renew our commitment to preventing abuse, supporting survivors, holding
offenders accountable, and building a culture of respect.
Although girls and young women ages 16 to 24 are at the highest risk,
dating violence can affect anyone. That is why everyone must learn
the risk factors and warning signs. While healthy relationships are
built on fairness, equality, and respect, dating violence often involves

a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control
over a partner. It can include constantly monitoring, isolating, or
insulting a partner; extreme jealousy, insecurity, or possessiveness; or

any type of physical violence or unwanted sexual contact. If you, a
friend, or a loved one, is in an abusive relationship, the National
Dating Abuse Helpline will offer immediate and confidential support. To
contact the Helpline, call 1-866-331-9474, text ``loveis'' to 22522, or
visit www.LoveIsRespect.org. For more information on dating violence,
please visit www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence.

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My Administration remains dedicated to preventing dating violence,
raising awareness among teens and their families, and educating young
people about healthy relationships. Earlier this year, I established the
White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. In
addition to its primary focus of reducing sexual assault on college
campuses, the task force will consider how its recommendations could
apply to secondary schools. Because we must also reach out to teens in
new ways, Vice President Joe Biden's 1 is 2 Many initiative is engaging
them online, via mobile applications, and in social media. Alongside
schools, communities, and advocacy groups, we are working to change
attitudes and help teens speak out against dating violence.
Each of us can play a role in ending dating violence--in our schools,
our homes, our neighborhoods, and our dormitories. This month and
throughout the year, let every American look out for one another, stand
with survivors, speak out against dating violence, and build communities
where abuse is never tolerated.
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 February 2014 as
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call
upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools,
and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy
relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that
prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA