FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Contact: Stacie Temple, (573) 526-0949
Contact: Stephanie Fleming, (573) 751-4218

Carnahan Commemorates Five Years of Survivors with Safe at Home

Jefferson City, MO - The Safe at Home program, implemented by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in August 2007, is celebrating five years of helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape or stalking.

Studies indicate the most violent attacks, some leading to death, occur when abusers find their victims after an attempt to leave. Safe at Home protects the addresses of victims by acting as a mail forwarding service. This address confidentiality program helps ensure that when victims leave and relocate, they along with their families have the chance to remain safe from their assailants.

“Protecting these victims is a top priority of mine, and that’s why I created the Safe at Home program under Missouri law in 2007,” Carnahan said. “I’m proud of the work our staff has done to protect survivors who’ve decided they won’t be victims any longer. We’re celebrating five years of helping these Missourians ensure the safety of their families and reclaim their futures.”

Since its inception, Safe at Home has helped more than 1,500 survivors keep their addresses out of the hands of their assailants and escape their abusers for good. Approximately 1,000 men, women and children are currently enrolled in the program.

Since 2007, the program has trained application assistants in agencies, shelters and offices that serve all parts of the state to aid in enrolling participants. There are currently 350 active application assistants in Missouri. Because so many instances of domestic and sexual violence go unreported, the program does not require any proof of victimization to join. Potential participants are simply required to sign a statement attesting they have good reason to believe they’ve been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape or stalking.

If you or someone you know feels trapped in an abusive relationship, don’t become another statistic. Join the rest of those who decided enough was enough and protect yourself and your family. Sign up and celebrate this year as a survivor, because everyone deserves to be safe at home.

For more information, call our toll-free number, (866) 509-1409, or visit our website at www.MoSafeAtHome.com.

–- 30 -–

Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.

###