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

<R04>
Memorandum on the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign

October 2, 1995

Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Federal Employee Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign

    Domestic violence is not a private, family dispute that affects only 
the people involved. Domestic violence is violent criminal activity that 
affects us all, regardless of race, income, or age, in every community 
in this country. It means higher health care costs, increased 
absenteeism, and declining productivity. It destroys families, 
relationships, and lives. More importantly, it tears at the moral fabric 
of who we are and undermines the very institution that has been the 
cornerstone of our country: the family.
    In passing the Violence Against Women Act as part of the Violent 
Crime Control Act (``VCCA'') last year, the Congress recognized the 
seriousness of the problem of domestic violence. This new law combines 
tough new penalties with programs to prosecute offenders and help women 
victims. In the last year, every State has received a down payment of 
$426,000 in grants to help train prosecutors, police, and service 
providers in combatting the problem of domestic violence. Moreover, 
because of the VCCA, every State will now ensure that women who have 
been assaulted will not have to pay for their medical examinations 
resulting from rape and other acts of violence.
    Throughout October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 
business, labor, law enforcement, public health, and civic organizations 
will be working to increase our understanding of this problem and create 
solutions that can save lives. I believe the Federal Government has a 
responsibility to be a leader in this effort.
    Today, I am directing that executive departments and agencies 
institute employee awareness campaigns on domestic violence. Within the 
next 6 months, you should implement a program to promote Federal 
employee awareness of the problem of domestic violence and the programs 
and resources that are available for victims. I support and encourage 
the initial plans made by the Justice Department, which include the 
production of a resource manual and a poster, and the scheduling of a 
Violence Against Women Information Fair on October 30, 1995. This fair 
will include speakers, artwork, and exhibits.
    We have a responsibility to assist all victims of domestic violence 
and their families trapped in a cycle of violence with no sense of where 
to turn. Often, victims will not report their circumstances to the 
public, but they may turn to coworkers for help. Thus, by providing 
information to all Federal workers on the programs available, we can 
make a contribution to the effort to protect women from abuse and reduce 
the level of violence in America.
    The Director of the Office Management and Budget is authorized and 
directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:38 a.m., October 6, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 10.