National Stalking Awareness Month, 2015

Proclamation 9226 of December 31, 2014

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In every State across our Nation, stalking is a crime.
It is unacceptable behavior that violates the most
basic principles of respect and decency, infringing on
our fundamental right to feel safe and secure. At some
point in their lives, 1 in 6 American women will be
stalked. This abuse creates distress and takes a
profound toll on its victims and our communities. This
month, we extend our support to all those who have
experienced stalking, and we renew our commitment to
shine a light on this injustice.

Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact--which can
include text messages, emails, and phone calls--that
causes an individual to fear for their safety or the
safety of loved ones. While young women are
disproportionately at risk, anyone can be a victim,
including children and men. Individuals who are stalked
often know the perpetrator, but stalkers can also be
acquaintances or strangers. Stalking is a serious
offense with significant consequences. It is often
detrimental to the physical and emotional well-being of
the victim, and some are forced to move or change jobs.
This behavior often escalates over time, and is
sometimes followed by sexual assault or homicide.

Addressing this hidden crime is part of my
Administration's comprehensive strategy to combat
violence against women, and stalking is one of the four
areas addressed by the Violence Against Women Act. When
I proudly signed the reauthorization of this historic
law, we bolstered many of its provisions, including
expanding safeguards against cyberstalking and
protections for immigrants who have been victims of
stalking. Across the Federal Government, we are
building strong partnerships with those working to
break the cycle of this abuse, and we remain dedicated
to ending violence against women and men in all its
forms.

Our homes, schools, offices, and neighborhoods should
be places where Americans feel secure and confident.
During National Stalking Awareness Month, we join with
the advocates, families, professionals, and survivors
to amplify their refrain: If you are a victim of
stalking, you are not alone. Together, let us continue
to raise awareness of this violence and recommit to
being part of the solution.

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 January 2015 as
National Stalking Awareness Month. I call upon all
Americans to recognize the signs of stalking,
acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those
affected not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help.
Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors,
and to create communities that are secure and
supportive for all Americans.

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