National Stalking Awareness Month, 2012

Proclamation 8769 of December 28, 2011

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In our schools and in our neighborhoods, at home and in
workplaces across our Nation, stalking endangers the
physical and emotional well-being of millions of
American men and women every year. Too often, stalking
goes unreported and unaddressed, and we must take
action against this unacceptable abuse. This month, we
stand with all those who have been affected by stalking
and strengthen our resolve to prevent this crime before
it occurs.

Stalkers inspire fear through intimidation, explicit or
implied threats, and nonconsensual communication--often
by telephone, text message, or email--that can cause
severe emotional and physical distress. Many victims
suffer anxiety attacks, feelings of anger or
helplessness, and depression. Fearing for their safety,
some are forced to relocate or change jobs to protect
themselves. And, tragically, stalking can be a
precursor to more violent offenses, including sexual
assault and homicide. The consequences of this crime
are real, and they take a profound and ongoing toll on
men, women, teens, and children across our country.

Despite the dangerous reality of stalking, public
awareness and legal responses to this crime remain
limited. New data show that one in six women and one in
19 men have experienced stalking that caused them to be
very fearful or feel that they or someone close to them
were in immediate physical danger. Among men and women
alike, victims are most commonly stalked by current or
former intimate partners, and young adults are at the
highest risk for stalking victimization. Though
stalking can occur in any community, shame, fear of
retribution, or concerns that they will not be
supported lead many victims to forego reporting the
crime to the police. As we strive to reverse this
trend, we must do more to promote public awareness and
support for survivors of stalking.

My Administration is working to advance protection and
services for stalking victims, empower survivors to
break the cycle of abuse, and bring an end to violence
against women and men. With unprecedented coordination
between Federal agencies, we are promoting new tools to
decrease the incidence of domestic violence, sexual
assault, dating violence, and stalking, and we are
taking action to ensure perpetrators are held
accountable. To reinforce these efforts, advocates, law
enforcement officials, and others who work with victims
must continue to improve their capacity to respond with
swift and comprehensive action. From raising awareness
to pursuing criminal justice, all of us have a role to
play in stopping this senseless and harmful behavior.

This month, let us come together to prevent abuse,
violence, and harassment in all their forms and renew
our commitment to bring care and support to those in
need.

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 2012 as
National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all
Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking,
acknowledge stalking as a serious crime,

and urge those impacted 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
twenty-eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.