Proclamation 9562-National Stalking Awareness Month, 2017
Issued 2016-12-28 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama designated January 2017 as National Stalking Awareness Month through this proclamation. The action itself is ceremonial—it doesn't create new laws or require anyone to do anything specific. Instead, it serves to bring national attention to stalking as a serious crime and to show presidential support for victims. The proclamation notes that approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men will be victims of stalking, which can happen both in person and digitally through cell phones and social media.
This declaration affects the general public by raising awareness about stalking and its impacts. According to the proclamation, stalking causes anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and forces many victims to change their daily routines, move, or miss work or school. The proclamation calls on all Americans to learn the signs of stalking and urges those affected to speak out and ask for help.
The proclamation matters because it uses the president's platform to highlight an issue that affects millions of Americans. While it doesn't change any laws, it draws attention to existing federal efforts mentioned in the text, such as protections under the Violence Against Women Act and new housing protections for stalking victims. Ceremonial proclamations like this have been issued by presidents since George Washington and are a traditional way for the president to express the nation's values and priorities without requiring congressional approval.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9562-National Stalking Awareness Month, 2017" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to stalking. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9562—National Stalking Awareness Month, 2017 December 28, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, stalkers deny too many people the comfort and safety they deserve, violating our basic expectation of dignity and respect for all. Posing risks to both the physical and emotional health of victims, stalking is recognized as a crime across our Nation. This month, we join together in support of victims to raise awareness of this threat and reaffirm the importance of ensuring every person can live free from fear of violence, harassment, and any form of stalking. Approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men will be victims of stalking. Perpetrators of stalking seek power and control by following, harassing, or pursuing victims in unwanted or repeated ways. Stalking can occur digitally—through cell phones and on social media platforms—as well as in person through repeated threats or acts of physical violence. And whether committed by acquaintances, former partners, or strangers, stalking can cause anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness, as well as a wide variety of general health and sleeping problems. Stalking victims live with the fear of not knowing w