Presidential Proclamation -- National Stalking Awareness
Month, 2015
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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thisthirty-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.
BARACK OBAMA
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