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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
September 16, 2024
*Media Contact:
*Danny Wimmer <
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AG Nessel, YWCA Kalamazoo Host Roundtable Discussion on 1st Anniversary of Address Confidentiality Program
*LANSING* – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the YWCA Kalamazoo held a roundtable discussion celebrating a year since the launch of the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) [ [link removed] ]. The ACP was created to provide certain protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase their risk of harm.
“Whether it’s casting their ballot or signing their kids up for school, government services should foster security, not create more hurdles to safety for those escaping abuse,” said Nessel. “The Address Confidentiality Program is a valuable tool we have to help victims of violent crimes and those at risk of threats or physical harm keep their addresses confidential and safe from further danger.”
ACP is a statewide confidentiality program administered by the Michigan Department of Attorney General. ACP operates to shield a program participant’s actual physical address by providing an official designated/substitute address, 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.
There are currently 215 participants in the program, including 104 children and 111 households. Participants have expressed their excitement about being able to vote and get a library card without risking their safety.
Today’s roundtable featured participants from the Department of Attorney General, local law enforcement, partner organizations, and victim advocates.
Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, stalking, or anyone at risk of being threatened or physically harmed if their address is revealed is potentially eligible to participate. Qualified applicants must:
* Be moving or planning to move as pre-existing addresses may already be compromised;
* Be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor; or
* Be a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or ward.
Applications must be submitted by a certified application assistant. While there are currently 358 certified application assistants and victim advocates across the state, the Department is looking for more to be trained, especially in the mid-Michigan region.
“If you are part of an advocacy organization providing support to the survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, I highly encourage you to have a member of your staff sign up for our training to become a part of this growing network for Michigan survivors,” Nessel said. “Join us in our effort to make this state a safer place for all our residents.”
Those interested in being certified application assistants or learning more about ACP can visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. [ [link removed] ]
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