Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Presidential Documents 20499 

Proclamation 8794 of April 2, 2012 

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 

2012 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Though we have come far in the fight to reduce sexual violence, the prevalence of sexual assault remains an affront to our national conscience that 

we cannot ignore. This month, we stand with survivors of sexual assault, 

join together to break the silence, and recommit to ending this devastating 

crime. 

Rape and sexual assault inflict profound suffering upon millions of Americans every year. Nearly one in five women has been raped, and still more 

have endured other forms of sexual violence or abuse. Tragically, these 

crimes take their greatest toll on young people; women between the ages 

of 16 and 24 are at greatest risk of rape and sexual assault, and many 

victims, male and female, first experience abuse during childhood. The 

trauma of sexual violence leaves scars that may never fully heal. Many 

survivors experience depression, fear, and suicidal feelings in the months 

and years following an assault, and some face health problems that last 

a lifetime. 

It is up to all of us to ensure victims of sexual violence are not left to 

face these trials alone. Too often, survivors suffer in silence, fearing retribution, lack of support, or that the criminal justice system will fail to bring 

the perpetrator to justice. We must do more to raise awareness about the 

realities of sexual assault; confront and change insensitive attitudes wherever 

they persist; enhance training and education in the criminal justice system; 

and expand access to critical health, legal, and protection services for survivors. As we fight sexual assault in our communities, so must we combat 

this crime within our Armed Forces. The Department of Defense provides 

additional resources for service members and military families at 1–877– 

995–5247 and at: www.SafeHelpline.org. 

With the leadership of Vice President Joe Biden, my Administration is 

working to stop sexual violence before it begins and ensure justice for 

the countless men, women, and children who have already been harmed. 

Last year, we introduced comprehensive guidance to schools, colleges, and 

universities to clarify their obligations under existing civil rights law to 

prevent and respond to campus sexual assault. In January, we issued a 

revised definition of rape that will improve our understanding of where 

and how often this crime occurs. And today, we are collaborating with 

private organizations and agencies at every level of government to bolster 

advocacy and assistance for victims of sexual violence. All of us share 

a responsibility to those in need. By standing with survivors of rape and 

sexual assault and helping them secure the support and services they deserve, 

we do right by the ideals of compassion and service at the heart of the 

American character. For additional information and resources, visit: 

www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many. 

During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence that threatens lives, erodes 

communities, and weakens our country. As we reflect on the progress we 


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20500 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

have made and the distance we have yet to go, let us recommit to empowering 

survivors and fighting for a safer future for every American. 

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 April 2012 as National 

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to 

support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes 

in their communities. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day 

of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 

[FR Doc. 2012–8335 

Filed 4–4–12; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


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