National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2007

Proclamation 8183 of October 1, 2007

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Families are indispensable to a stable society, and
they should be a place of support to instill
responsibility and values in the next generation. When
a family member is abused, it can have long-term
damaging effects on the victim that leave a mark on
family, friends, and the community at large. Our
society must continue to work to prevent domestic
violence and help create a loving and stable
environment for our children and grandchildren.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an
opportunity to renew our commitment to preventing
domestic violence and to assisting those who suffer
from its devastating effects. My Administration is
dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence. The
Family Justice Center Initiative, announced in 2003,
continues to work towards eradicating domestic violence
in our Nation. This program provides assistance and
services for victims of domestic violence by bringing
professionals, advocates, law enforcement, and
organizations together at centers nationwide. In 2006,
I signed legislation that reauthorized the Violence
Against Women Act to fight domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We also are
working with faith-based and community organizations to
assist victims in need. In addition, the Department of
Justice's Domestic Violence Transitional Housing
Assistance Program provides access to transitional
housing services while working to move victims of
violence into permanent housing.

As we observe National Domestic Violence Awareness
Month, we underscore our commitment to building an
America where all citizens can live with dignity, work
productively, and achieve their dreams. We encourage
victims and their families and friends to seek
assistance through Family Justice Centers and to
contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-
800-799-SAFE. Together, we can help prevent, recognize,
and stop domestic violence in America.

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 the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 2007 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all
Americans to reach out to those who have been abused
and help educate people about the vital importance of
ending domestic violence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.