New program offers peace of mind through p.o. boxes

Missouri passed new legislation intended to ensure that victims of domestic violence, rape, stalking or sexual assault won't be living in fear of retaliation for reporting such crimes or constantly looking over their shoulders for their assailants.

Called the Safe at Home Program, the new law went on the books Aug. 28 and gives crime victims the option of shielding their addresses from their attackers by offering them an assigned post office box in Jefferson City in place of using their own address for mail.

First class mail, legal documents and certified mail would be sent to the p.o. box and forwarded to the participant's confidential home address at no cost to them.

The idea is to prevent predators from locating their victims through public records, such as court documents.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said she proposed the legislation after learning about similar programs in other states. She said she knows the program has the ability to help save lives.

Thirty other states have comparable programs either established or in progress, said Ryan Hobart, a spokesman for Safe at Home.

In the four days since the Address Confidentiality Act became law, the Safe at Home Program has received several inquiries through its hotline, Hobart said.

Potential participants who wish to join the program do so by calling the hotline and setting up an appointment with an application assistant.

In order to be eligible, the applicant must sign a sworn statement declaring that he or she truthfully believes there is a "good reason," why he or she both is a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking and fears further "violent acts from his or her assailant."

Filing a false claim that the applicant's life may be in danger will be considered a class D felony punishable by up to four years in state prison or up to one year in county jail.

Law enforcement officials may solicit information on the applicants true address, according to the legislation.

The program will cost between $165,000 and $170,000 to orchestrate and maintain, Hobart said.

The number for the hotline is (866) 509-1409.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245