[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 40 (Monday, October 8, 2001)]
[Pages 1403-1404]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7475--National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2001

 October 1, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The social blight of domestic violence has continued to burden 
America into the 21st Century. Our homes should be places of safety and 
comfort. Tragically, domestic violence can and does turn many homes into 
places of torment. The grim facts speak for themselves: almost one-third 
of American women murdered each year are killed by their current or 
former partners, usually a husband. Approximately 1 million women 
annually report being stalked. And many children suffer or witness abuse 
in their homes, which can sadly spawn legacies of violence in families 
across America.
    Domestic violence spills over into schools and places of work; and 
it affects people from every walk of life. Though abuse may occur in the 
seclusion of a private residence, its effects scar the face of our 
Nation.
    In the United States, we have strict laws intended to hold domestic 
abusers accountable for their vile conduct by bringing them to justice, 
but laws alone are not enough. A comprehensive, coordinated approach 
must shape our strategy to reduce domestic violence. Accordingly, the 
Federal Government is partnering with States, local communities, and 
other entities to implement tough and effective mechanisms to respond to 
reports of domestic violence.
    These efforts include specialized units in police departments, and 
prosecutors offices that work with local victims' advocates to make the 
criminal justice system more responsive to victims and more retributive 
to their abusers. Jurisdictions throughout the country now provide legal 
assistance to ensure that when victims try to escape abuse, they can 
obtain legal help from attorneys who understand the dynamics of domestic 
violence. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court personnel, and 
service providers are working to improve their responses to the often 
hidden victims of elder abuse and violence against women with 
disabilities. Moreover, thousands of communities now have shelters and 
emergency services for abused women and their children.
    As a Nation, we must prioritize addressing the problem of domestic 
violence in our communities every day of the year. National Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month provides us with a special opportunity to 
emphasize that domestic violence is a crime, to warn abusers that they 
will be prosecuted, and to offer victims more aid and support. We can 
and must radically reduce and work to eliminate this scourge from our 
land. To succeed, this effort must be echoed by officials from every 
segment of the criminal justice system, Federal, State, and local. 
Community leaders, health care professionals, teachers, employers, 
friends, and neighbors all will play an important role in eradicating 
domestic violence.
    As we observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I call on 
all Americans to commit to preventing domestic violence and to assist 
those who suffer from it. These collective efforts will contribute to 
peace in our homes, schools, places of work, and communities and will 
help ensure the future safety of countless children and adults.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 2001, as National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to learn more 
about this terrible problem and to take positive action in protecting 
communities and families from its devastating effects.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

[[Page 1404]]

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 3, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 4.