State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today said a new resource is available to help protect survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and others who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, said the state’s new address confidentiality program allows survivors to keep their addresses private in public databases, like the voter registry, to make it more difficult for their aggressors to find them.

“The launch of the address confidentiality program is a beacon of hope for those who have endured the darkest of times – including survivors of stalking, domestic abuse, rape, and other horrible crimes,” Schmaltz said. “With this program, we offer protection and peace of mind to those in need. It is a reminder that their past does not define their future and that their safety, privacy, and right to heal are paramount.”

Operated by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the new program will shield a program participant’s physical address by providing an official substitute address. Participants will receive free mail forwarding service and a guidebook that outlines how to vote, how to change their address, information on schools and bussing, what to do when contacting the police or emergency services, and much more.

Qualified applicants must be 18 or older, an emancipated minor, or a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor. Applicants must also plan to move, as pre-existing addresses may already be compromised.

Victim advocates across the state have been trained and will work with interested parties on registration.   

To learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program, residents can also: 

• Visit www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/address-confidentiality
• Email ag-acp@mi.gov
• Call (313) 456-0190 and ask for an address confidentially advocate.

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