Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 62303 

Proclamation 8575 of October 1, 2010 

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act 

(VAWA), we have broken the silence surrounding domestic violence to 

reach thousands of survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and 

save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical achievements, domestic 

violence remains a devastating public health crisis when one in four women 

will be physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some point in 

her lifetime. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize 

the tremendous progress made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to making everyone’s home a safe place for them. 

My Administration is committed to reducing the prevalence of domestic 

violence. Last year, I appointed the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies working 

together to end domestic violence in this country. Together with community 

efforts, these Federal programs are making important strides towards eliminating abuse. 

The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a lifeline for domestic 

violence victims. Before I signed this legislation in March, insurance companies in eight States and the District of Columbia were able to classify 

domestic violence as a pre-existing condition, leaving victims at risk of 

not receiving vital treatment when they are most vulnerable. Now, victims 

need not fear the additional burden of increased medical bills as they 

attempt to protect themselves and rebuild their lives. 

Individuals of every race, gender, and background face domestic violence, 

but some communities are disproportionately affected. In order to combat 

the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in tribal areas, I 

signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to strengthen tribal law enforcement 

and its ability to prosecute and fight crime more effectively. This important 

legislation will also help survivors of domestic violence get the medical 

attention, services, support, and justice they need. 

Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims or witnesses, also 

need our help. Without intervention, they are at higher risk for failure 

in school, emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating violent 

behavior later in life. That is why my Administration has launched the 

‘‘Defending Childhood’’ initiative at the Department of Justice to revitalize 

prevention, intervention, and response systems for children exposed to violence. The Department of Health and Human Services is also expanding 

services and enhancing community responses for children exposed to violence. 

Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative effort involving every 

part of our society. Our law enforcement and justice system must work 

to hold offenders accountable and to protect victims and their children. 

Business, faith, and communityleaders, as well as educators, health care 

providers, and human service professionals, also have a role to play in 

communicating that domestic violence is always unacceptable. As a Nation, 

we must endeavor to protect survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change 


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62304 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

attitudes that support such violence. I encourage victims, their loved ones, 

and concerned citizens to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 

1–800–799SAFE or visit: www.TheHotline.org. 

This month—and throughout the year—let each of us resolve to be vigilant 

in recognizing and combating domestic violence in our communities, and 

let us build a culture of safety and support for all those affected. 

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 theUnited States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as 

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to 

speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims 

of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need. 

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

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–25575 

Filed 10–7–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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