Keeping Our Finger on the Pulse
Some of the most important changes in domestic violence policy don’t create new crimes—they remove barriers that keep survivors trapped.
This week we’re looking at a growing movement across the country to protect a survivor’s privacy after they leave an abusive relationship.
🇺🇸 National Focus
More states are expanding Address Confidentiality Programs (ACP), allowing eligible survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking to use a government-issued substitute mailing address instead of their actual residence on many public records.
These programs help prevent abusers from locating survivors through voter registration, driver’s license records, court documents, and other public databases. Across the country, lawmakers continue recognizing that privacy is a vital part of survivor safety. (Georgia Secretary of State)
🌵 State Spotlight: Arizona
Arizona’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program continues providing eligible survivors with an added layer of protection by allowing them to keep their residential address confidential while receiving mail through a substitute address.
For many survivors, moving to a new home isn’t enough. If an abuser can locate them through public records, the fear often begins all over again.
Programs like Safe at Home help survivors focus on rebuilding their lives instead of constantly looking over their shoulder.
Why This Matters
Freedom isn’t just leaving.
Freedom is knowing your children can sleep without fear.
Freedom is opening your mailbox without wondering who knows where you live.
Freedom is beginning again without having to disappear.
Every law that protects a survivor’s privacy gives them another opportunity to build a future based on hope instead of fear.
At Riders Against Domestic Violence, we’ll continue keeping our finger on the pulse because every policy that protects survivors brings us one step closer to safer communities.
Stay informed. Stay aware. Stay safe.
— Dave Beatty
Founder, Riders Against Domestic Violence (RADV)