For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 1, 2002
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Domestic violence in America is intolerable and must be stopped.
According to the 2000 National Crime Victimization Survey, almost
700,000 incidents of violence between partners were documented in our
Nation, and thousands more go unreported. And in the past quarter
century, almost 57,000 Americans were murdered by a partner. Children
who witness domestic violence often grow up believing that physical
cruelty in relationships is acceptable behavior, and thus they may tend
to perpetuate a cycle of violence in society.
Many Federal, State, and local programs addressing the domestic
violence problem have achieved success, bringing greater safety to
families. The success of coordinated community-based efforts is
helping us win the battle against domestic violence. Community
leaders, police, judges, advocates, healthcare workers, and concerned
Americans are working together across America to develop solutions to
this serious problem and to implement services that will improve our
responses when it occurs. For example, many police departments and
district attorneys offices have created specialized domestic violence
units that cooperate with community advocates to enhance services for
victims; and representatives from the faith community frequently
provide essential support in areas where there may be no other services
available. Programs designed to educate men and women about ways they
can help prevent domestic violence are being developed across our
Nation. Every citizen has the ability to aid and assist those
suffering from domestic abuse and to let victims know that support is
available through shelters, hotlines, and other services.
To better assist victims in need, my Administration recently
implemented funding for new programs to improve outreach and services
for people who are older or who have disabilities.
We have also intensified our efforts to provide meaningful access
to Federally sponsored programs for individuals with limited English
proficiency, making it easier for them to escape violence, report
crime, and gain access to community services.
We must continue to hold domestic abusers accountable; we must
punish them to the full extent of the law; and we must prevent them
from inflicting more abuse. Protective orders are helpful and can be
enforced in every jurisdiction in our country, which means their power
extends across State lines and onto tribal lands. This legal authority
makes it easier for police and prosecutors to keep aggressors away from
their intended targets. Many abusers become more dangerous after
court-enforced separation from their victims and often use visitation
or exchange of children as an opportunity to inflict abuse. We are
working to expand programs that improve the safety of family members in
these situations.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to
join together in recommitting themselves to eliminating domestic
violence and reaching out to its victims, letting them know that help
is available. With dedication and vigilance, we can increase safety
for thousands of our citizens and bring hope to countless Americans.
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 2002 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to
become a part of the coordinated community response to domestic
violence and to send the message that this crime will not be tolerated
in our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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