(DES MOINES) Today, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate joined State Representative Dean Fisher in announcing their effort to make the 'Safe At Home' program a reality for Iowans who are victims of abuse or fear for their safety.

"As Iowa's Secretary of State, it is a priority of mine to have Iowa join the 33 states who currently have address confidentiality programs in place. I applaud Rep. Fisher for drafting this legislation to be introduced next week. He has my full support and I urge his colleagues in the General Assembly to join us," stated Pate.

The 'Safe At Home' Act provides security and access to services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and stalking by keeping their home addresses confidential when conducting official business like registering to vote. Participants in the program have their mail sent to the Secretary of State's office who then forwards the mail to their home address.

Pate, "I will work closely with the county auditors to make sure those enrolled in the 'Safe At Home' program are able to vote and participate in the elections process without fear."

Any adult victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking or stalking; any family member living in the same home with the victim, any minor child or children, or an incapacitated person who is in fear for his or her safety can apply for 'Safe At Home' assistance. The 2600 convicted domestic abusers in 2014 would be the ones paying for the program.

Representative Fisher said, "Our goal is to give them back their safety, to make sure these victims are Safe At Home here in Iowa."

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