ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10638ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10638

National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2023

This proclamation declares October 2023 as National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. It recounts the history of the Violence Against Women Act, recent legislative achievements on gun safety and victim support, and encourages Americans to change social norms, support survivors, and thank prevention workers. It contains no binding policy directives, funding allocations, or agency mandates.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 68433

Impact dates

  1. National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month begins

Key directives

  • Proclaim October 2023 as National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
  • Call upon Americans to change social norms permitting domestic violence
  • Provide meaningful support to survivors
  • Express gratitude to prevention and response workers

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation takes effect upon signing; October 2023 designated as awareness month

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Document is purely commemorative with no enforcement mechanism or funding attached; 'call upon' language is hortatory not mandatory
  • Past policy achievements cited (VAWA reauthorization, gun safety law) are historical context, not new actions in this proclamation
Proclamation 10638: National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2023 · Executive Orders