[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 1995)]
[Pages 1754-1755]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6829--National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 1995

October 2, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Domestic violence disrupts communities, destroys relationships, and 
harms hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. It is a serious 
crime that takes many forms and a complex problem with multiple causes. 
Those abused can be children, siblings, spouses, or parents, and both 
victims and offenders come from all racial, social, religious, ethnic, 
and economic backgrounds. Among the most tragic effects of family 
violence is the cycle of abuse perpetuated by children and teenagers who 
see and experience brutality at home--these young people often lack 
crucial guidance to help them form strong, positive bonds of kinship.
    Americans are fortunate that knowledge about domestic violence has 
increased and that public interest in deterrence is stronger than ever. 
During the past decade, vital partnerships have formed between Federal 
agencies and private-sector organizations to expand prevention services 
in urban, rural, and underserved areas across the country. These efforts 
have helped to coordinate aid for victims and their children--not only 
providing shelter, but also furnishing alcohol and drug abuse treatment, 
child care, and counseling. In addition, I am proud that the Violent 
Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 contains tough new 
sanctions and includes a provision for a national ``hot line'' where 
victims can receive information and assistance.
    But the struggle to end domestic violence is far from over. 
According to a recent Justice Department study for 1992 and 1993, women 
are about six times more likely than men to experience violence 
committed by offenders with whom they had an intimate relationship. And 
in 1992, nearly 30 percent of all female homicide victims were known to 
have been killed by husbands, former husbands, or boyfriends. We need 
more prevention campaigns and public awareness efforts; we must develop 
and share successful methods of prevention, intervention, and treatment 
for victims and perpetrators; and we must continue to build alliances 
among government, community associations, businesses, educators, and 
religious organizations to strengthen our families and to teach 
alternatives to violent behavior.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 October 
1995, as ``National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.'' I call upon 
government officials, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, 
educators, and the people of the United States to join together to end 
the family violence that threatens so many citizens. I further encourage 
all Americans to recognize the dedication of those working to end the 
horrors of abuse. Offering support, guidance, encouragement, and 
compassion to survivors, these caring individuals exemplify our Nation's 
highest ideals of service and citizenship.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[[Page 1755]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:59 p.m., October 2, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
4.