For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 29, 2006
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Domestic violence has no place in our society, and we have a moral
obligation to help prevent it. The terrible tragedies that result from it
destroy lives and insult the dignity of women, men, and children. National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to underscore our
commitment to bringing an end to violence in the home.
A home should be a place of stability, comfort, and love. Domestic
violence shatters this important foundation. My Administration is strongly
committed to addressing domestic violence and helping those who have been victimized. In January, I was proud to sign legislation reauthorizing the
Violence Against Women Act. Since I announced the Family Justice Center
Initiative in 2003, we have opened 11 Family Justice Centers across the
country. These centers offer services to victims and their families,
including legal advice, counseling, and support. In addition, we are
continuing to work with faith-based and community organiza tions to
provide training, expertise, and funding to help deliver hope and healing
to those who need it most.
During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year,
we are grateful for the advocates, counselors, and others who provide care
to those affected by these acts of cruelty and for the law enforcement
personnel and others who work to bring offenders to justice. We extend our
compassion to the victims of domestic violence and urge them to seek assistance through local Family Justice Centers, faith-based and
community organizations, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1
800-799-SAFE. By working together, we can build an America where every
home honors the value and dignity of its loved ones.
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 2006 as National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to reach out to
victims and help end domestic violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty ninth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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