12 2 STA T .5369PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 0 0 — OCT. 3 , 2008 DomesticV io l e n ce Awar eness M ont h, we u n d erscore our commitment to hel p in g indi v iduals across our countr y who f ace such devastating vi - olence . My Administration remains dedicated to eradicating domestic violence and helping victims find the compassion, comfort, and healing they need. I n 20 0 3 , I announced the creation of the F amily J ustice C enter Initiative to help local communities provide comprehensive services at one location for victims of domestic violence. In 200 6 , Iwasproudto sign legislation that reauthori z ed the Violence Against W omen Act to improve criminal j ustice responses to domestic violence, se x ual as- sault, and stal k ing. T he Department of Justice ’ s Domestic Violence Transitional H ousing Assistance P rogram also offers victims of vio- lence counseling and transitional housing services so they can escape the cycle of a b use. During this month, we rededicate ourselves to protecting vulnerable members of our society and ensuring domestic abusers are punished to the full extent of the law. We encourage victims of domestic violence and their families to seek assistance through Family Justice Centers and the N ational Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–8 00– 79 9– S AF E . To- gether, we can help heal hearts and build a culture in which all Ameri- cans can pursue their dreams and realize the great promise of our Na- tion. N O W, THE R EFORE, I, G EORGE W. BU SH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2008, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to reach out to victims of domestic violence and take action to make ending domestic violence a national priority. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclam a ti o n830 0o fO cto be r3 ,2 008 ChildHea l t h D a y,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Americans have a duty to promote the health and safety of our chil- dren. On Child Health Day, we affirm that all children are a precious gift, and we underscore our commitment to helping them realize their full potential. Families are the foundation of our society, and parents play the vital role of providing stability, guidance, and discipline so children can lead healthy lives. Teachers, caregivers, and mentors can also help teach children about the importance of making good choices. All Americans can help our Nation’s youth become healthy and respon-
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