Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 4 / Wednesday, January 7, 2015 / Presidential Documents 827 

Proclamation 9226 of December 31, 2014 

National Stalking Awareness Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In every State across our Nation, stalking is a crime. It is unacceptable 

behavior that violates the most basic principles of respect and decency, 

infringing on our fundamental right to feel safe and secure. At some point 

in their lives, 1 in 6 American women will be stalked. This abuse creates 

distress and takes a profound toll on its victims and our communities. 

This month, we extend our support to all those who have experienced 

stalking, and we renew our commitment to shine a light on this injustice. 

Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact—which can include text messages, 

emails, and phone calls—that causes an individual to fear for their safety 

or the safety of loved ones. While young women are disproportionately 

at risk, anyone can be a victim, including children and men. Individuals 

who are stalked often know the perpetrator, but stalkers can also be acquaintances or strangers. Stalking is a serious offense with significant consequences. 

It is often detrimental to the physical and emotional well-being of the 

victim, and some are forced to move or change jobs. This behavior often 

escalates over time, and is sometimes followed by sexual assault or homicide. 

Addressing this hidden crime is part of my Administration’s comprehensive 

strategy to combat violence against women, and stalking is one of the four 

areas addressed by the Violence Against Women Act. When I proudly signed 

the reauthorization of this historic law, we bolstered many of its provisions, 

including expanding safeguards against cyberstalking and protections for 

immigrants who have been victims of stalking. Across the Federal Government, we are building strong partnerships with those working to break 

the cycle of this abuse, and we remain dedicated to ending violence against 

women and men in all its forms. 

Our homes, schools, offices, and neighborhoods should be places where 

Americans feel secure and confident. During National Stalking Awareness 

Month, we join with the advocates, families, professionals, and survivors 

to amplify their refrain: If you are a victim of stalking, you are not alone. 

Together, let us continue to raise awareness of this violence and recommit 

to being part of the solution. 

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 January 2015 as 

National Stalking Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to recognize 

the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge 

those affected not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help. Let us also 

resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that 

are secure and supportive for all Americans. 


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828 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 4 / Wednesday, January 7, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

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

of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyninth. 

[FR Doc. 2015–00077 

Filed 1–6–15; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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