[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 40 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Pages 1665-1666]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7601--National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2002

October 1, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Domestic violence in America is intolerable and must be stopped. 
According to the 2000 National Crime Victimization Survey, almost 
700,000 incidents of violence between partners were documented in our 
Nation, and thousands more go unreported. And in the past quarter 
century, almost 57,000 Americans were murdered by a partner. Children 
who witness domestic violence often grow up believing that physical 
cruelty in relationships is acceptable behavior, and thus they may tend 
to perpetuate a cycle of violence in society.
    Many Federal, State, and local programs addressing the domestic 
violence problem have achieved success, bringing greater safety to 
families. The success of coordinated community-based efforts is helping 
us win the battle against domestic violence. Community leaders, police, 
judges, advocates, healthcare workers, and concerned Americans are 
working together across America to develop solutions to this serious 
problem and to implement services that will improve our responses when 
it occurs. For example, many police departments and district attorneys 
offices have created specialized domestic violence units that cooperate 
with community advocates to enhance services for victims; and 
representatives from the faith community frequently provide essential 
support in areas where there may be no other services available. 
Programs designed to educate men and women about ways they can help 
prevent domestic violence are being developed across our Nation. Every 
citizen has the ability to aid and assist those suffering from domestic 
abuse and to let victims know that support is available through 
shelters, hotlines, and other services.
    To better assist victims in need, my Administration recently 
implemented funding for new programs to improve outreach and services 
for people who are older or who have disabilities.
    We have also intensified our efforts to provide meaningful access to 
Federally sponsored programs for individuals with limited English 
proficiency, making it easier for them to escape violence, report crime, 
and gain access to community services.
    We must continue to hold domestic abusers accountable; we must 
punish them to the full extent of the law; and we must prevent them from 
inflicting more abuse. Protective orders are helpful and can be enforced 
in every jurisdiction in our country, which means their power extends 
across State lines and onto tribal lands. This legal authority makes it 
easier for police and prosecutors to keep aggressors away from their 
intended targets. Many abusers become more dangerous after court-
enforced separation from their victims and often use visitation or 
exchange of children as an opportunity to inflict abuse. We are working 
to expand programs that improve the safety of family members in these 
situations.
    During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to 
join together in recommitting themselves to eliminating domestic 
violence and reaching out to its victims, letting them know that help is 
available. With dedication and vigilance, we can increase safety for 
thousands of our citizens and bring hope to countless Americans.
    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 2002 as National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to become a part 
of the coordinated community response to domestic violence and to send 
the message that this crime will not be tolerated in our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[[Page 1666]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 3, 
2002]

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