Address Confidentiality Program

Helping Victims Start a New Life

Since 1991, the goal of the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) has been to help crime victims (specifically domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and stalking) stay safe. ACP is designed to prevent offenders from using state and local government records to locate their victims. To participate in the program a person must be a survivor of sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking or stalking, a resident of the State of Washington, and must have recently moved to a location unknown to the abuser and unknown to government agencies.

Two ACP Services

The program is simple and has two basic parts. First, the ACP gives program participants a 'substitute' address. ACP participants may legally use the ACP 'substitute' address when working with state and local agencies. Using the substitute address means their mail will go to that address instead of home. ACP staff then repackages and forwards participant mail to the actual residence address on file. State and local government agencies are required to accept a participant's use of the ACP substitute address. Private companies, though, do not have to accept the ACP address. Victim advocates may be able to suggest alternative ways to protect a participant when doing business with private companies like phone and cable companies, insurance agents, department and video stores, energy companies etc. The second part of the program offers confidentiality for two normally public records: voter registration and marriage records

How to Apply to ACP

By itself, the ACP won't keep anyone safe. To be really valuable, using the ACP substitute address must be part of a complete and long-term safety plan. You can get more information about safety planning at a victim assistance program near you. Click the "Back" button to get to the map of Washington State. Then simply click on the county where you live. Call the program to make an appointment. Explain that you want to meet with an advocate to talk about what you can do to stay safe. It's a good idea to take the following items with you to this meeting: 1) positive proof of your identity, including picture ID, and 2) documents substantiating your efforts to deter your abuser (protective order, police report, etc). Each of the listed local programs has an ACP orientation video you can watch for more information. Your advocate will do a risk assessment, help you develop a safety plan and work with you to decide if the ACP should be part of that safety plan.

For More Information Please Visit the Washington Secretary of State website