NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – As Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, Tre Hargett is encouraging survivors of domestic violence to learn about a state program designed to help protect their privacy and safety.
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program is currently serving nearly 1,500 Tennesseans by providing an added layer of protection for victims of domestic abuse.
“No survivor should have to live in fear of an abuser finding their home,” Hargett said. “Our Safe at Home Program helps survivors protect their privacy as they rebuild their lives. We want Tennesseans to know this lifesaving resource is available to them and their families throughout the year through our office.”
Launched in 2019, the Safe at Home program helps prevent abusers from locating victims through public records. Approved participants are provided with a substitute address that can be used for official government purposes instead of their actual residential address.
The substitute address can be used for:
- Voter registration
- Driver’s licenses
- Government records and services
- Other official documents
State officials note that anyone living in a participant’s household, including children, may also use the substitute address.
The program is offered free of charge to eligible participants and is designed to help survivors safely rebuild their lives while reducing the risk that abusive individuals can locate them through public information.
The Secretary of State’s Office is promoting awareness of the program throughout October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is encouraging survivors, advocates and community organizations to learn more about available protections.
Additional information about eligibility requirements, enrollment and becoming a partner agency is available at http://SafeAtHomeTN.com.
