Domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault cross ethnic, racial, age, gender, religious, national origin, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic lines to affect millions of Americans each year. Survivors of these terrible crimes often continue to live in fear. Even after moving away from an abusive partner or predator, even the simple act of opening a bank account, getting a driver’s license, or enrolling a child in school may put the survivor and other family members at risk.

Fortunately, there is Safe at Home, a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State’s Office that offers victims anonymity and a new start towards a brighter future free from fear.

Safe at Home Program participants can use a free post office box instead of their home address to help them maintain their privacy when receiving first-class mail, opening a bank account, completing a confidential name change, filling out government documents, registering to vote, getting a driver’s license, enrolling a child in school, and more.

Since its start in 1999, California’s Safe at Home Program has helped protect the identities of nearly 3,800 survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault, as well as reproductive health care doctors, nurses, volunteers, and patients.

I invite you to explore this website and the many features of the Safe at Home Program. As Secretary of State, I will continue my long-time commitment to protecting the rights of victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault, and countless others who deserve security and peace of mind as they rebuild their lives.

Every Californian should feel and be Safe at Home.

Sincerely,

Debra Bowen
Secretary of State