"The Address Confidentiality Program is common-sense legislation aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence when doing everyday business in the state," Ireland said. "I am happy the elected women leaders of this state and members of the state's domestic violence coalitions joined together in this effort to stand up for victims of domestic violence."
Under the ACP, victims of domestic violence can use an address set up by the secretary of state instead of their home addresses to conduct certain necessary business so their location cannot be revealed. The secretary of state will forward certain mail to the participants' actual addresses -- keeping their locations completely confidential. Participants will have to go through an application process to qualify for the program.
"Simple things, such as registering to vote, would normally reveal a victim's location preventing her from exercising a citizen's most basic right -- the right to vote," Ireland said. "The Address Confidentiality Program will enable victims of domestic violence to interact with government agencies and other entities with the assurance that their locations will not be compromised."
Employees of the Secretary of State's Office who will administer the ACP will be subject to a criminal background check. Successful applicants will be certified participants for a period of four years.
