State Rep. Graham Filler today said a new resource is available to help protect survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and others who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm.

Filler, R-Clinton County, said the state’s new address confidentiality program allows survivors to keep their addresses private in public databases, like the voter registry, to make it more difficult for their aggressors to find them. Filler helped shape the legislation to establish the program in 2020 while serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

“This new program is not just about protecting addresses; it offers a lifeline for those who have endured the darkest chapters of their lives,” Filler said. “Survivors of domestic abuse, rape, stalking and other heinous crimes will be able to heal and move on with their lives without constantly looking over their shoulder.”

The address confidentiality program, operated by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, will shield a program participant’s physical address by providing an official substitute address. Participants will receive 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.

According to the Attorney General’s office, qualified applicants must be 18 or older, an emancipated minor, or a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor. Applicants must also plan to move, as pre-existing addresses may already be compromised.

Victim advocates across the state have been trained and will work with interested parties on registration.   

To learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program, residents can also: 

• Visit www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/address-confidentiality
• Email [email protected]
• Call (313) 456-0190 and ask for an address confidentially advocate.

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