Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2014 / Presidential Documents 6423 

Proclamation 9231 of January 30, 2015 

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention 

Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In a Nation invested in the limitless possibility of every child, ending 

dating violence is an urgent priority. Each year, an estimated 1 in 10 American teenagers is physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. 

This behavior violates our most basic values and can have profound consequences for survivors. Young people who experience dating violence are 

at increased risk of substance abuse, depression, poor academic performance, 

and future victimization. This month, we join with all those who have 

endured the pain of an unhealthy relationship and acknowledge the responsibility we each have to end this cycle of fear, isolation, and abuse. 

Dating violence often involves the use of inappropriate actions to control 

a partner or resolve conflicts. These behaviors can be physical, emotional, 

or sexual, and can take place in person or with the use of technology 

and social media. Unhealthy relationships can affect people of all ages, 

and many teenagers do not recognize the severity of dating abuse, or they 

do not report it because they are afraid or ashamed to speak up. That 

is why it is important to talk with friends and loved ones about dating 

violence and to learn the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, including extreme jealousy, constant monitoring, and possessiveness. 

If you are in—or know someone who is in—an abusive relationship, the 

National Dating Abuse Helpline can offer immediate and confidential support. To contact the Helpline, call 1–866–331–9474, text ‘‘loveis’’ to 22522, 

or visit LoveIsRespect.org. For more information on dating violence, visit 

VetoViolence.CDC.gov. 

It is on all of us to reject the quiet tolerance of sexual assault, and the 

Federal Government is committed to being part of the solution. Last year, 

I established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual 

Assault and directed its members to consider how their recommendations 

could apply to our Nation’s elementary and secondary schools. In addition, 

as part of Vice President Joe Biden’s 1is2many initiative, my Administration 

is working to provide teenagers and their communities with the resources 

and support they need, so our young people can pursue their dreams free 

from fear. As we strive to eliminate teen dating violence, we are focused 

on bolstering prevention efforts and improving our response in order to 

protect those at risk and ensure survivors can access the help they need. 

Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and equality. Our commitment to these values demands that we stand up against dating abuse and 

all forms of intimate partner violence. During National Teen Dating Violence 

Awareness and Prevention Month, we are called to act. Let us recommit 

to fostering a society where our strength is measured by our resolve to 

speak out against this outrage, and where there are no barriers that prevent 

our daughters and sons from achieving their full potential. 

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 February 2015 as 


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6424 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call 

upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, 

and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy 

relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent 

and respond to teen dating violence. 

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

of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. 

[FR Doc. 2015–02377 

Filed 2–3–15; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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