[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6423-6424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02377]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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

[[Page 6424]]

                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.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-02377
Filed 2-3-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5