Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4631

124 STAT. 4605 PROCLAMATION 8492—APR. 1, 2010 Proclamation 8492 of April 1, 2010 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, women, men, and children across America suffer the pain and trauma of sexual assault. From verbal harassment and intimidation to molestation and rape, this crime occurs far too frequently, goes unre- ported far too often, and leaves long-lasting physical and emotional scars. During National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves not only to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame surrounding sexual violence, but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response. Sexual violence is an affront to our national conscience, one which we cannot ignore. It disproportionately affects women—an estimated one in six American women will experience an attempted or completed rape at some point in her life. Too many men and boys are also af- fected. These facts are deeply troubling, and yet, sexual violence affects Amer- icans of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Alarming rates of sexual violence occur among young women attending college, and fre- quently, alcohol or drugs are used to incapacitate the victim. Among people with disabilities, isolation may lead to repeated assaults and an inability to seek and locate help. Native American women are more than twice as likely to be sexually assaulted compared with the general population. As a Nation, we share the responsibility for protecting each other from sexual assault, supporting victims when it does occur, and bringing perpetrators to justice. We can lead this charge by confronting and changing insensitive atti- tudes wherever they persist. Survivors too often suffer in silence be- cause they fear further injury, are unwilling to experience further hu- miliation, or lack faith in the criminal justice system. This feeling of isolation, often compounded with suicidal feelings, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, only exacerbate victims’ sense of hope- lessness. No one should face this trauma alone, and as families, friends, and mentors, we can empower victims to seek the assistance they need. At the Federal, State, local, and tribal level, we must work to provide necessary resources to victims of every circumstance, including med- ical attention, mental health services, relocation and housing assist- ance, and advocacy during legal proceedings. Under Vice President Biden’s leadership, the 2005 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act included the Sexual Assault Services Program, the first- ever funding stream dedicated solely to providing direct services to victims of sexual assault. To further combat sexual violence, my 2011 Budget doubles funding for this program. Through the Justice Depart- ment and the Centers for Disease Control, we are funding prevention and awareness campaigns as well as grants for campus services to ad- dress sexual assault on college campuses. The Justice Department has also increased funding and resources to combat violence against Native American women.