National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013

Proclamation 9031 of September 30, 2013

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our Nation's response to
domestic violence has greatly improved. What was too
often seen as a private matter best hidden behind
closed doors is now an established issue of national
concern. We have changed our laws, transformed our
culture, and improved support services for survivors.
We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence
homicides and improved training for police,
prosecutors, and advocates. Yet we must do more to
provide protection and justice for survivors and to
prevent violence from occurring. During National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with
domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our Nation's
progress in combatting these despicable crimes, and
resolve to carry on until domestic violence is no more.

Although we have made substantial progress in reducing
domestic violence, one in four women and one in seven
men in the United States still suffer serious physical
violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least
once during their lifetimes. Every day, three women
lose their lives in this country as a result of
domestic violence. Millions of Americans live in daily,
silent fear within their own homes.

My Administration remains devoted to halting this
devastating violence. To lead by example, last year I
directed Federal agencies to develop policies to assist
victims of domestic violence in the Federal workforce.
Earlier this year, Vice President Biden announced new
grants for initiatives that aim to reduce domestic
violence homicides across our country.

This past spring, I signed the Violence Against Women
Reauthorization Act. The Act provides law enforcement
with better resources to investigate cases of rape,
gives colleges more tools to educate students about
dating violence and sexual assault, and empowers tribal
courts to prosecute those who commit domestic violence
on tribal lands, regardless of whether the aggressor is
a member of the tribe. In addition, VAWA will continue
to allow relief for immigrant victims of domestic
violence, and LGBT victims will receive care and
assistance.

Thanks to the landmark Affordable Care Act, insurance
companies will be prohibited from denying coverage
because of pre-existing conditions, and new health
plans must cover domestic violence screening and
counseling with no copayments or cost sharing. Millions
will have the chance to sign up for affordable care
through the new Health Insurance Marketplace by
visiting www.HealthCare.gov beginning October 1.

Ending violence in the home is a national imperative
that requires vigilance and dedication from every
sector of our society. We must continue to stand
alongside advocates, victim service providers, law
enforcement, and our criminal justice system as they
hold offenders accountable and provide care and support
to survivors. But our efforts must extend beyond the
criminal justice system to include housing and economic
advocacy for survivors. We must work with young people
to stop violence before it starts. We must also reach
out to friends and loved ones who have suffered from
domestic violence, and we must tell them they are not
alone. I encourage

victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to
learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence
Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting
www.TheHotline.org.

This October, let us honor National Domestic Violence
Awareness Month by promoting peace in our own families,
homes, and communities. Let us renew our commitment to
end domestic violence--in every city, every town, and
every corner of America.

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 October 2013 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on
all Americans to speak out against domestic violence
and support local efforts to assist victims of these
crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.