[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 827-828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-00077]




                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 828]]

                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 thirty-
                ninth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-00077
Filed 1-6-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5