Presidential Documents

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

58286 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 5, 2005 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

W 

[FR Doc. 05–20154 

Filed 10–4–05; 9:56 am] 

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