[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 5, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58285-58286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20154]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 58285]]


                Proclamation 7938 of September 30, 2005

                
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Domestic violence is a great evil and an offense 
                against human dignity that shatters lives and robs 
                children of their innocence. Where it occurs, homes are 
                transformed into places of danger and despair. During 
                National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we renew 
                our commitment to preventing domestic violence.

                We are making progress in the fight against violence in 
                the home. Over the past decade, the domestic violence 
                rate has declined by an estimated 59 percent. But much 
                work remains to be done. My Administration remains 
                committed to preventing domestic abuse by supporting 
                victims and punishing offenders. We have secured 
                historic levels of funding for the Violence Against 
                Women programs at the Department of Justice, presided 
                over an increase in Federal prosecutions for crimes of 
                violence against women, and implemented a program to 
                help fund transitional housing for victims fleeing 
                domestic abuse.

                To increase access to comprehensive support and 
                services for victims of domestic violence, in 2003 I 
                announced the creation of the Family Justice Center 
                Initiative. These centers bring together police 
                officers, attorneys, counselors, doctors, victims' 
                advocates, chaplains, and others so that domestic 
                violence victims can more easily find the help and 
                support they need. The Department of Justice has 
                awarded over $20 million to support the creation of 15 
                Family Justice Centers across the country, and several 
                of these centers have already opened their doors and 
                are making a difference in victims' lives.

                Faith-based and community organizations are also making 
                vital contributions in the effort to combat domestic 
                violence. These organizations are fostering an 
                environment where victims can step out of the shadows 
                and get the help and care they need. Through 
                initiatives like the Faith-Based and Community 
                Organization Rural Pilot Program and the Safe and 
                Bright Futures for Children Initiative, the Departments 
                of Justice and Health and Human Services are providing 
                funding to support these organizations in their life-
                changing work.

                I appreciate all those who work to end domestic 
                violence and to protect vulnerable members of our 
                society. By working together, we continue to build a 
                society that respects the life and dignity of every 
                person.

                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 2005 as National 
                Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans 
                to reach out to help victims of domestic violence and 
                help to make ending domestic violence a national 
                priority.

[[Page 58286]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-20154
Filed 10-4-05; 9:56 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P