This year, Iowa started a “Safe at Home” program for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking. Dozens of Iowans are now participating in this address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State’s office.
The office gets a U.S. Post Office box for a victim who has chosen to participate in Safe at Home. The office receives the participant’s mail and forwards it to the P.O. Box. Through this same program, victims can sign up for permanent absentee ballot voting at their confidential address. Victims may also be able to use their confidential address when involved in court proceedings.
These measures prevent a victim’s physical address from appearing on public records, helping them stay safe from their abuser. You can learn more about Safe at Home in Iowa and other help for victims at https://safeathome.iowa.gov.
In addition to Safe at Home, we’ve voted to help victims recover from crimes by allowing money from the Victim Compensation Fund to be used for housing assistance and emergency relocation. In addition, more employees at the Victim Assistance Division in the Attorney General’s Office will make sure federal grant money effectively helps crime victims.
If you or someone you know is a victim, call the Iowa Domestic Violence HelpLine at 1-800-770-1650. The 24/7 statewide crisis and counseling line has trained experts who can offer free and confidential assistance to those seeking to escape an abusive situation. For more information, visit www.survivorshelpline.org.