National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2001

Proclamation 7475 of October 1, 2001

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B