OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Fifteen years ago, the result of the hard work of dedicated advocates throughout the nation, were seen when landmark legislation, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), was signed into law on September 13, 1994.

On September 14, 2009, President Barack Obama commemorated the 15th anniversary of this historic law in a Presidential Proclamation <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-15th-Anniversary-of-the-Violence-Against-Women-Act/> :

" Far too many women in our communities and neighborhoods, and across the world, continue to suffer from violence.  Inspired by the promise and achievement of the Violence Against Women Act, our Nation stands united in its determination to end these crimes and help 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 laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. I call upon men and women of all ages, communities, organizations, and all levels of government, to work in collaboration to end violence against women."