John P. McDonough, Secretary of State ~ Brian R. Moe, Deputy Secretary of State
A brief introduction to the program
for victims of domestic violence,
Maryland Safe at Home
Address Confidentiality Program
The Program
The Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is
administered by the Office of the Secretary of State and provides an
important service to victims of domestic violence.
The Program has two components:
- First, the ACP provides a substitute address for victims who have
moved or are about to move to a new location unknown to their abuser.
- Second, the Program provides participants with a free confidential
mail-forwarding service for first-class mail and legal papers.
In most cases, using the substitute address allows State and local
agencies to respond to requests for public information without disclosing
the victim’s actual address.
The ACP is not for everyone. A victim services professional from a
domestic violence program can help determine if ACP should be part of the
victim’s safety plan.
Who May Apply?
Any of the following people may apply to the Program:
- A person who is a victim of domestic violence;
- A parent or guardian of a minor child who fears for the safety of the
minor child; or
- The guardian of a disabled person, if the guardian fears for the safety of the disabled person.
Applying for Participation
Because participation in the Maryland Safe at Home Address
Confidentiality Program is only one part of a victim's overall safety plan,
we encourage all applicants to apply through a trained Application Assistant
in one of the domestic violence program offices located throughout the
State.
Application Assistant
The Application Assistant will help the victim decide if ACP should be
part of the victim’s safety plan, explain ACP services, explain the victim’s
responsibilities, and assist with the completion of the application
materials. The victim will mail the completed application to the ACP.
Enrolling a Program Participant
Once accepted into the ACP, the participant will receive a packet of
information which includes the ACP authorization card. The ACP card includes
the victim’s name, signature, substitute address, and individual ACP number.
It is the victim’s responsibility to tell State and local government
agencies that they participate in the ACP. Enrollment is for 4 years unless
cancelled by the participant or ACP.
| The ACP is only one part of a Safety Strategy. By itself, the ACP cannot
keep a person safe. Combined with other safety strategies, the ACP can help
a victim start a new life.
This program is only effective if the victim has recently moved and the
abuser does not know the victim’s new address.
|
What is the Substitute Address?
The substitute address provided to a victim by the ACP has no relation to
the victim’s actual address. The address may be used by the participant to
receive first-class mail, registered mail, certified mail, and legal papers.
The ACP does not forward magazines or packages. The victim may also use the
substitute address as a return address on mail sent.
It is important to understand that once enrolled in the ACP, first-class
mail or legal papers will be delayed. However, the ACP will do its best to
forward mail promptly.
When to Use the Substitute Address
ACP participants should use the ACP substitute address every time they
interact with State and local government agencies. If an agency has
questions about the program or use of the address, ask the agency to call
ACP at the number on the back of the card. If victims provide State or local
government agencies with their actual address, it could become public information.
Private companies (like department stores, banks, phone companies,
insurance agents) do not have to accept the substitute address, but most
businesses are willing to do so. The victim should not hesitate to ask them
to send their first-class mail to their ACP substitute address.
Voter Registration
The State Board of Elections has an address confidentiality program that
allows voters to have their actual address suppressed and therefore not part
of any public record. The ACP urges participants who are eligible voters to
apply to vote as an absentee voter. The ACP also urges participants not to
use the Motor Voter system because doing so could compromise their actual
address records.
Service of Process
As an ACP participant, the victim has designated the Secretary of State
as their agent for service of process and for receipt of mail. The Secretary
of State accepts legal documents on their behalf. The participant may not
avoid legal responsibilities by refusing to accept mail forwarded by the ACP.
The ACP’s receipt of documents is considered the participant’s receipt of
those documents. Accordingly, the participant is legally responsible for
obligations contained in all documents at the time of receipt by the ACP.
Public Schools
When a student presents his or her ACP authorization card, the school
must accept the ACP substitute address. The student does not have to
disclose his or her actual address. Verification of enrollment eligibility
and transfer of school records are handled by ACP staff.
Things to Remember
- Each participant will receive an ACP number. The personal ACP number
will be unique and must be included on all of the participant’s mail.
- If a participant moves or has a change of name or phone number, the
ACP must be notified as soon as possible.
- Upon entering or leaving the ACP, a participant should not notify the
U.S. Post Office of any address change. The ACP will advise the
participant of the best way to redirect their mail.
- ACP enrollment is effective for 4 years. A program participant must
reapply if continuation in the program is desired.
- Although the Office of Secretary of State may verify the participation
of a participant in the Program, the Office may not otherwise disclose any
records of a participant without a court order.
Commitment
The ACP is committed to providing the most secure and efficient
mail-forwarding service possible for participants in the Program. Working
with various State and local domestic violence advocates, our office offers
its services as an important part of the safety solution for victims of
domestic violence.
For more information about this Program, or for an Application Assistant
near you, please call: 1-800-633-9657 x 3875 or
email us.
Click on links for more information.
Adelante Familia
Domestic Violence Organizations~ by County
DHR ~ Office of Victim Services
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
FAQ's
Safe At Home Brochure or Spanish version
