Sec. of State’s Address Confidentiality Program enrolls 100 participants

Coffman says enrollment faster than any other state’s program

Denver, November 18, 2008 – The Colorado Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which is operated by the Secretary of State’s office, has enrolled 100 participants, faster than any other state program in the nation. The program began enrolling participants on July 1, 2008 and enrolled its 100th participant on October 31, 2008. The ACP provides a substitute address and mail forwarding service for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment. Currently, 26 states have similar type programs throughout the nation.

“I am proud that this office could offer one more tool for victim advocates to protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Secretary of State Mike Coffman. “The early success of this program lays the groundwork for families afflicted by violence for years to come.”

The program is comprised of two components that work in tandem to help protect participants. New enrollees are provided a substitute address that becomes their new legal address. Because the address is their legal address, all governmental agencies (with limited exceptions) are required to accept the address. When participants use this address, their mail is routed to the Secretary of State’s Office. In turn, the ACP forwards the mail to participants at their actual address.

Interviews and graphics are available upon request. For more information on the Address Confidentiality Program, please visit the website at www.acp.colorado.gov.