[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9562 of December 28, 2016

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, stalkers deny too many people the comfort and safety they
deserve, violating our basic expectation of dignity and respect for all.
Posing risks to both the physical and emotional health of victims,
stalking is recognized as a crime across our Nation. This month, we join
together in support of victims to raise awareness of this threat and
reaffirm the importance of ensuring every person can live free from fear
of violence, harassment, and any form of stalking.

Approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men will be victims of stalking.
Perpetrators of stalking seek power and control by following, harassing,
or pursuing victims in unwanted or repeated ways. Stalking can occur
digitally--through cell phones and on social media platforms--as well as
in person through repeated threats or acts of physical violence. And
whether committed by acquaintances, former partners, or strangers,
stalking can cause anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness, as
well as a wide variety of general health and sleeping problems. Stalking
victims live with the fear of not knowing what will happen next, and
many are often forced to change their daily activities, move to a
different location, or take time off from school or work.
Along with combating domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual
assault, confronting stalking and supporting victims is an important
part of my Administration's efforts to end violence against women. And
to ensure that violence against women, including stalking, is never
tolerated, Vice President Biden has also led efforts to help change this
culture. In 2013, I signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against
Women Act, which identifies stalking as a key focus area in which we can
improve support for victims. Because of an Executive Order I signed in
2015, victims employed by Federal contractors can now use paid sick
leave for absences related to stalking, and in the past year, many
Federal agencies have also increased their support for victims as part
of ongoing work to address the effects of domestic violence in the
workplace. The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently
finalized a new rule that strengthens housing protections for stalking
victims, helping to secure their basic right to a safe living
environment. And through a new Government-wide training tool designed to
educate Federal employees on how to recognize and respond to stalking--
and how to support colleagues who may be victims--we have worked to
enhance policies that support affected employees.
Nobody should ever feel unsafe in their homes and communities, which is
why we must work to lift up victims and survivors who know the distress
and anxiety of being stalked. Throughout National Stalking Awareness
Month, let us reaffirm the value of privacy and security for all as we
continue striving to ensure offenders are held accountable. If we pursue
such progress and change with the passion and empathy that victims of
stalking deserve, we can build a future where all people are free to
live out their dreams.

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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 2017 as
National Stalking Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to learn
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 twenty-eighth day
of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA