Legislature Votes to Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse

MADISON – Late yesterday, the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 488, also known as the “Safe at Home” bill which requires the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to administer an address confidentiality program for victims of domestic abuse, stalking and trafficking. Under the Safe at Home program, participants are given a substitute address through the DOJ to use for mailing, public records and a service of process.

“Victims of these horrible crimes deserve the opportunity to establish a residence without the constant fear of their attacker knowing exactly where they live,” Kleefisch said. “The Safe at Home law is a proactive approach to public safety that will keep our residents safe from those who are most likely to reoffend against them.”

Wisconsin is one of 16 states that currently does not have address confidentiality program for victims of domestic abuse.

“For victims of domestic abuse, indescribable fear and anxiety are a significant part of their daily lives and this is especially true when they have left or are attempting to leave their abuser,” said Rep. Taylor. “Establishing an address confidentiality program puts up one more barrier between a victim and their abuser or stalker. This bill will help families across Wisconsin and I thank the leadership teams in both chambers for making this bill a priority.”

Since Senate Bill 488 passed both the Senate and Assembly today, it will now be sent to Governor Walker to be signed into law. Representatives Kleefisch and Taylor send a special thank you to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Legal Action Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Justice for their work and collaboration on Senate Bill 488.

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