Address Confidentiality

Pennsylvania´s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps victims who need to relocate and keep their location confidential. The Program establishes a system to create and maintain confidentiality of the victim´s address. An applicant must be a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or a person who lives in the same household as the victim.

It is important to understand that address confidentiality is one tool for victim safety, but it is not a substitute for safety planning. It is critical to work with a domestic violence / sexual assault advocate to create a safety plan, specific to each participant´s individual needs. The ACP program works only when the perpetrator does not know where the victim resides. The fewer people who know the victim´s actual address, the safer the victim will be.

The program provides participants with a substitute address, which is used when a victim has moved to a new location unknown to the perpetrator. This address can be used to receive mail, and as a return address on mail sent by the victim. Most state and local government agencies are required to accept the substitute address, which may be used to fulfill the address requirements of court and government records, such as drivers´ licenses, library cards, traffic tickets, vehicle registrations, employment security, school records, workers´ compensation and court petitions. Private entities, such as utility companies, may accept the confidential address, but are not required to do so. Program staff may be able to assist you in getting a private company to accept this substitute address.

Participants are responsible for informing state and local government agencies of their enrollment in the program and requesting that their correspondence be sent to the substitute address. Requests to businesses and other private organizations can be made as the participant sees fit.

ACP participants receive free, first-class, confidential mail forwarding service, although there are some restrictions. Magazines, packages and junk mail cannot be forwarded. Forwarded mail will be delayed about five to seven days.

Once accepted into the Program, the participant receives ACP information and a laminated identification card. The card includes the participant´s name, signature, the substitute address and the participant´s unique ACP identification number. This number must be used on all correspondence to be received by the ACP on behalf of the participant. Participants should use the substitute address as an official mailing address.

To participate, a victim should complete an application in person at any local domestic violence, sexual assault or victim services program in Pennsylvania. Advocates can assist victims in completing the paperwork and explaining the victim´s rights and responsibilities under the program.

Domestic Violence Programs are available in each county. Or call 800-932-4632 for contact information.

Sexual Assault/ Rape Crisis Centers are available in each county.call 888-772-PCAR for contact information.

Victim Assistance Programs offices are located in each county or call 800-563-6399 for contact information.