For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 2, 2001
President Proclaims National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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