National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010

Proclamation 8575 of October 1, 2010

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA), we have broken the silence
surrounding domestic violence to reach thousands of
survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and
save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical
achievements, domestic violence remains a devastating
public health crisis when one in four women will be
physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some
point in her lifetime. During Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, we recognize the tremendous progress
made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to
making everyone's home a safe place for them.

My Administration is committed to reducing the
prevalence of domestic violence. Last year, I appointed
the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against
Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies
working together to end domestic violence in this
country. Together with community efforts, these Federal
programs are making important strides towards
eliminating abuse.

The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a
lifeline for domestic violence victims. Before I signed
this legislation in March, insurance companies in eight
States and the District of Columbia were able to
classify domestic violence as a pre-existing condition,
leaving victims at risk of not receiving vital
treatment when they are most vulnerable. Now, victims
need not fear the additional burden of increased
medical bills as they attempt to protect themselves and
rebuild their lives.

Individuals of every race, gender, and background face
domestic violence, but some communities are
disproportionately affected. In order to combat the
prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in
tribal areas, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to
strengthen tribal law enforcement and its ability to
prosecute and fight crime more effectively. This
important legislation will also help survivors of
domestic violence get the medical attention, services,
support, and justice they need.

Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims
or witnesses, also need our help. Without intervention,
they are at higher risk for failure in school,
emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating
violent behavior later in life. That is why my
Administration has launched the ``Defending Childhood''
initiative at the Department of Justice to revitalize
prevention, intervention, and response systems for
children exposed to violence. The Department of Health
and Human Services is also expanding services and
enhancing community responses for children exposed to
violence.

Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative
effort involving every part of our society. Our law
enforcement and justice system must work to hold
offenders accountable and to protect victims and their
children. Business, faith, and communityleaders, as
well as educators, health care providers, and human
service professionals, also have a role to play in
communicating that domestic violence is always
unacceptable. As a Nation, we must endeavor to protect
survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change

attitudes that support such violence. I encourage
victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to
call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-
799SAFE or visit: www.TheHotline.org.

This month--and throughout the year--let each of us
resolve to be vigilant in recognizing and combating
domestic violence in our communities, and let us build
a culture of safety and support for all those affected.

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
theUnited States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 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
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.