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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In our schools and in our neighborhoods, at home and in workplaces across our Nation, stalking endangers the physical and emotional well being of millions of American men and women every year. Too often, stalking goes unreported and unaddressed, and we must take action against this unacceptable abuse. This month, we stand with all those who have been affected by stalking and strengthen our resolve to prevent this crime before it occurs.

Stalkers inspire fear through intimidation, explicit or implied threats, and nonconsensual communication often by telephone, text message, or email that can cause severe emotional and physical distress. Many victims suffer anxiety attacks, feelings of anger or helplessness, and depression. Fearing for their safety, some are forced to relocate or change jobs to protect themselves. And, tragically, stalking can be a precursor to more violent offenses, including sexual assault and homicide. The consequences of this crime are real, and they take a profound and ongoing toll on men, women, teens, and children across our country.

Despite the dangerous reality of stalking, public awareness and legal responses to this crime remain limited. New data show that one in six women and one in 19 men have experienced stalking that caused them to be very fearful or feel that they or someone close to them were in immediate physical danger. Among men and women alike, victims are most commonly stalked by current or former intimate partners, and young adults are at the highest risk for stalking victimization. Though stalking can occur in any community, shame, fear of retribution, or concerns that they will not be supported lead many victims to forego reporting the crime to the police. As we strive to reverse this trend, we must do more to promote public awareness and support for survivors of stalking.

My Administration is working to advance protection and services for stalking victims, empower survivors to break the cycle of abuse, and bring an end to violence against women and men. With unprecedented coordination between Federal agencies, we are promoting new tools to decrease the incidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, and we are taking action to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. To reinforce these efforts, advocates, law enforcement officials, and others who work with victims must continue to improve their capacity to respond with swift and comprehensive action. From raising awareness to pursuing criminal justice, all of us have a role to play in stopping this senseless and harmful behavior.

This month, let us come together to prevent abuse, violence, and harassment in all their forms and renew our commitment to bring care and support to those in need.

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 2012 as National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those impacted 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 this twenty eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

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LANSING, Ill., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Land O’Frost, the nation’s largest family-owned packaged lunch meat brand, today announced a multi-year partnership with JDRF, focused on raising much-needed funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and creating awareness of the organization and…
PR Newswire: Financial Services

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     Since the 1970s, the rate of childhood obesity in our country has tripled, and today a third of American children are overweight or obese.  This dramatic rise threatens to have far‑reaching, long-term effects on our children's health, livelihoods, and futures.  Without major changes, a third of children born in the year 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes during their lifetimes, and many others will face obesity‑related problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.  As a Nation, our greatest responsibility is to ensure the well-being of our children.  By taking action to address the issue of childhood obesity, we can help America's next generation reach their full potential.

     Together, we can stop this epidemic in its tracks.  Over the last year and a half, the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative has brought together Federal agencies and some of the biggest corporations and nonprofits from across our country, working to meet our national goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.  Let's Move! aims to help ensure we can make healthy choices about the foods we eat and how much exercise we get, while building the habits necessary to tackle one of the most urgent health issues we face in this country.  I invite all Americans to visit LetsMove.gov to learn more about this initiative and how to help children eat healthy and stay active.

     Everyone has a role to play in preventing and reversing the tide of childhood obesity.  This year, we announced groundbreaking partnerships with grocery stores and other retailers to increase access to healthy food in underserved areas.  These stores have pledged to increase their fruit and vegetable offerings and to open new locations in communities where nutritious food is limited or unavailable.  Childhood obesity cuts across all cultural and demographic lines, so Let's Move! has started initiatives to reach every cross‑section of America, from urban and rural areas to schools, health clinics, and child care homes and centers.  These programs touch everyone, from faith‑based communities to Indian Country, empowering kids and their families to discover the fun in healthy eating and exercise.

     Schools also have an important role in ensuring our children live full and active lives.  Last December, I signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law, enacting comprehensive change that will allow more children to eat healthier school lunches.  One of the cornerstones of Let's Move! is the HealthierUS School Challenge.  This year, America met the goal of doubling the number of schools meeting the Challenge's requirements for expanding nutrition and physical activity opportunities.  These 1,250 schools have shown that together, we can go above and beyond to give our kids the healthy future they deserve.

     We are coordinating across the Federal Government to make our goal a reality.  This year, the Federal Government released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, providing a science‑based roadmap for individuals to make healthy choices, and emphasizing the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle.  We adapted the food pyramid to a new design ‑‑ MyPlate ‑‑ to encourage balanced meals.  And our Healthy People 2020 initiative incorporates childhood obesity prevention in its goals for increasing the health of all Americans.

     Across our country, parents are working hard every day to make sure their kids are healthy, and my Administration is committed to supporting families in their efforts.  During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we recognize the outstanding work our businesses, communities, and families are doing to help us meet our responsibilities to our children.  I urge all Americans to help us meet our goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.

     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 September 2011 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.  I encourage all Americans to take action by learning about and engaging in activities that promote healthy eating and greater physical activity by all our Nation's children.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

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A PROCLAMATION

     With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly one percent of children in the United States, autism is an urgent public health issue with a profound impact on millions of Americans.  World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the cause of understanding and responding to autism.

     Men and women on the autism spectrum have thrived and excelled in communities across America and around the world.  Yet, despite great progress in understanding ASDs, challenges remain for these individuals and their loved ones.  For too long, the needs of people living with autism and their families have gone without adequate support and understanding.  While we continue to encourage the development of resources for children on the autism spectrum and provide necessary resources for their families, we must also remember that young people with ASDs become adults with ASDs who deserve our support, our respect, and the opportunity to realize their highest aspirations.

     As our understanding of the autism spectrum grows, my Administration remains dedicated to supporting children and adults impacted by autism.  Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, we have expanded investments in autism research, public health tracking, early detection, and services — from early intervention for children to improved long-term services and support programs for adults.  My Administration maintains a firm commitment to advance autism research and treatment, as well as promote education, employment, and equality for all individuals with autism, from early childhood through employment and community life.  We will continue to work with the Congress, experts, and families to improve Federal and State programs that assist individuals with ASDs and their families and to bolster the impact and reach of community support and services.  I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism for more information and resources on ASDs.

     With each breakthrough in research and each innovative treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many American families who have been touched by autism.  As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from discrimination where all can achieve their fullest potential.

     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 April 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

White House.gov Press Office Feed

This afternoon, President Obama will deliver remarks in the East Room at the Domestic Violence Awareness Month event.  The audience will be comprised of advocates, women’s and fatherhood groups, faith leaders and law enforcement agencies.

**Fact sheet attached**

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Vice President Joe Biden
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President and Chair, White House Council on Women and Girls
Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women
Joe Torre, Founder of the Safe at Home Foundation, former Major League Baseball player and manager

ELECTED OFFICIALS EXPECTED TO ATTEND

US Senator Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ
US Representative Donna Edwards, D-MD
Mayor Mitch Landrieu, D-New Orleans

ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS EXPECTED TO ATTEND

Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
Rosie Rios, US Treasurer
Susan Carbon, Director, Office on Violence Against Women, Department of Justice
Sara Manzano-Diaz, Director of the Women’s Bureau, Department of Labor
Ann Marie Oliva, Director of Special Needs Assistance Programs, Housing and Urban Development

White House.gov Press Office Feed

4:25 P.M. EDT

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  (Applause.)  Everybody, please have a seat.  Thank you so much.
 
     Let me just be clear. Biden’s boss is Dr. Jill Biden.  (Laughter.)  So let there be no confusion about that.  
 
I want to begin, obviously, by recognizing my Vice President for the unbelievable leadership that he has shown for more than two decades on this issue — fighting alongside all the advocates who are here today.  (Applause.)  Great work.  
 
He started holding hearings on domestic violence back in 1990.  He wrote and gathered the support to pass the Violence Against Women’s Act — a law that has saved countless lives, transformed how we address these all-too-pervasive crimes.  And as Vice President, he hasn’t let up. He is helping us to step up our efforts across all the relevant federal agencies.  So nobody feels more passionately about this than Joe, and I am grateful to him for all of his leadership.  We're really proud of him.  (Applause.)  
 
     I also want to thank Valerie Jarrett, my senior advisor and chair of our Council on Women and Girls. Valerie has helped ensure that the issues that we’re talking about today — the concerns of women and girls — are addressed at the highest levels of our government.  
 
I want to acknowledge Lynn Rosenthal, the first-ever advisor at the White House — (applause.)  So we're proud of Lynn.  I guess you know her.  (Laughter.) She’s been calling you up a little bit.  But she’s doing great work helping to advise us on these issues.
 
I want to thank Judge Susan Carbon, the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice.  (Applause.)  We're proud of what we're doing here.
 
I want to thank my Secretary for Health and Human Services, Secretary Sebelius, who is helping to coordinate our efforts.
 
     And finally, I want to thank everybody who is here today for the work that you’re doing to stop domestic violence and to help its survivors.  You’ve got champions like Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congresswoman Donna Edwards who have done extraordinary work in Congress.  You’ve got leaders like Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans.  And I think you already heard about some of the interesting work that they’re doing down in that city.  
 
There are so many organizations that are represented here today — we are very proud of you and what you do.  I'm thrilled to see Joe Torre, who’s here, who understands this issue personally and deeply, and for him to lend his name to this is extraordinarily important.  And we hope that the Dodgers do better next year.  (Laughter.)  My White Sox aren't doing so hot, either. (Laughter.)  
 
     As you all know, domestic violence was for far too long seen as a lesser offense.  As Valerie said, it was frequently treated like a private matter.  Victims were often just sent home from the hospital without intervention; children were left to suffer in silence.  And as a consequence, abuse could go on for years.  In many cases, this violence would only end with the death of a woman or a child.

     And we've come an incredibly long way since that time.  We have changed laws.  We’ve made progress in changing the way people think about domestic abuse.  As Joe pointed out, we’ve reduced the incidence of domestic violence.  And we’ve done so in no small part because of the advocacy of your organizations and the willingness of victims to tell their own stories, even when it’s difficult.
 
     And if there’s one group that I want to thank, am grateful for, it’s people who are willing to tell their stories — because it’s hard.  It’s hard stuff.  When Joe Torre stands up and talks about growing up in an abusive household, about being afraid to come home when he saw his dad’s car parked in the front of the house, and finding a refuge in baseball — that connects in a way that no speech by a politician can connect.  
 
As a consequence, he started Safe at Home, a foundation for children going through what he went through, and it’s helping kids all across the country.  
 
We’re joined by Lori Stone and Ruth Glenn, both of whom were victims of years of violent abuse in their marriages.  And they’re sharing their stories in the hope that nobody else has to experience the pain and fear that they lived with every day.
 
     Those stories remind us of how cruel, how menacing domestic violence can be — because it happens at home, the place where you should feel safe.  Because the abuse comes at the hands of the people who are supposed to love you and trust you.  Because escaping domestic violence is not only associated with a great deal of fear but also incredible financial and legal challenges that often leave victims of abuse feeling trapped.
 
     That’s what we have to change.  And I say that not only as a President, but as a son, as a husband, as the father of two daughters.  Now, we’ve made a great deal of progress in recent years.  But everybody in this room understands that our work is not yet finished.  Not when there’s more we can do to help folks looking to restart their lives and achieve financial independence.  Not when there’s more to do to ensure that the victims of abuse have access to legal protection.  Not when children are trapped in abusive homes — especially when we know the lingering damage and despair that this can cause in a child’s life.  Not when one in every four women experiences domestic violence — and one in six women are sexually assaulted — at some point in their lives.
 
     It’s not acceptable. And I know that Valerie and Joe spoke about some of our efforts in detail, but I just want to highlight a few key parts of what is a new, coordinated effort to protect victims and break the cycle of abuse.
 
     We’re helping the victims of violence to overcome the financial barriers they often face getting back on their feet.  And Lori’s experience serves as an example.  Lori had not only — had suffered abuse at the hands of her husband physically, he also destroyed their credit.  And she had to spend her limited savings on legal representation to keep custody of her children.
 
     So we’re going to start taking steps to connect survivors with jobs, to help them save, to make it easier for them to rebuild their credit, to make sure that no one has to choose between a violent home and no home at all.  (Applause.)
 
Secretary Donovan at the Department of Housing and Urban Development is releasing new rules today to prevent the victims of domestic violence from being evicted or denied assisted housing because a crime was committed against them.  That’s not right. And we’re going to put a stop to it.  (Applause.)  
 
     We’re also doing more to help the victims of domestic violence access legal services and protections. So today, the Justice Department is releasing new tools and best practice to judges, to advocates, to law enforcement to help ensure that protective orders are issued and enforced.  And the Vice President and the Justice Department are launching a new effort to help victims of domestic abuse find lawyers to represent them pro bono.  You heard Joe talk about that. That's critical.  That's important.  (Applause.)  
 
     As the advocates in this room can attest, when a victim of abuse leaves a violent relationship it’s often a particularly vulnerable time.  I know that’s when Ruth Glenn was viciously attacked by her husband.  And there are many stories like this — too many stories.  We need to make sure that we’re doing everything we can for victims in this critical period — to ensure that folks who are seeking help and protection get that help and get that protection.  That’s our responsibility.
 
     So these are just a few of the steps that we’re taking.  But the bottom line is this:  Nobody in America should live in fear because they are unsafe in their own home — no adult, no child.  And no one who is the victim of abuse should ever feel that they have no way to get out.  We need to make sure every victim of domestic violence knows that they are not alone; that there are resources available to them in their moment of greatest need.  And as a society, we need to ensure that if a victim of abuse reaches out for help, we are there to lend a hand.
 
     This is not just the job of government.  It’s a job for all of us.  So I want to thank all of you for the work that you do in your respective communities.  And I want you to know that this administration is going to stand with you each and every step of the way.
 
     So congratulations on your great work.  We've got more work to do.  And I couldn't be prouder to be part of this effort.  Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)

END
4:36 P.M. EDT

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