For victims of child abuse, domestic abuse, or other crimes, keeping one’s location private can be critical to both feeling and staying safe. That’s where Safe at Home, a Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) program, comes in. This address confidentiality program provides a legal substitute address to anyone who needs to keep their whereabouts confidential.
How the Program Works
The Safe at Home program is open to anyone who has been abused or threatened and has moved to a new residence that remains unknown to the person responsible. This program makes sure that a participant’s real address does not end up in legal documents, voter registries, or other publicly accessible databases.
Each person who enrolls in the Safe at Home program receives an ID card with a substitute address, which appears to be a brick-and-mortar location rather than a P.O. box. This substitute address can be used for things like:
- Getting a new driver’s license
- Forwarding mail and packages
- Registering to vote
- Enrolling children in school
One potential drawback of the program is that participants must commit to having all of their deliveries sent to their substitute address. Because mail and packages must first be sent to the Safe at Home address and then forwarded on, there is a delay in receiving items. In a world where many families rely on fast shipping and same-day deliveries, this can be challenging.
Accessibility to Victims
According to Lauren Blumenthal, Staff Attorney at Kids Matter Inc., Safe at Home is a crucial tool that connects people with the resources they need in a way that makes sense—without confusing legal terms. Blumenthal says, “Many legal professionals are actually unaware of the program because it’s designed to be simple enough for individuals to apply on their own without needing legal assistance.”
A Simple but Powerful Resource
While the application only takes a moment to fill out, the peace of mind is lasting. Safe at Home is an easy yet effective way to help families regain a sense of security and move on with their lives. Whether you’re an advocate, attorney, or victim, spreading awareness about this program can make a significant difference in helping people feel and stay safe.
Download the program application or learn more on the Safe at Home website.
