DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate looks forward to instituting the Safe at Home program in his office now that the governor has signed the legislation into law. Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program for the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and stalking. The Secretary of State's Office will administer all aspects of the program.

"This is a victory for the victims of abuse and sexual assault," Secretary Pate said. "Safe at Home is landmark legislation that provides real protection. It is long overdue in Iowa."

The Safe at Home Act passed both chambers of the Iowa Legislature unanimously, 100-0 in the House and 45-0 in the Senate. A similar program is already active in 33 other states. The Secretary of State's Office estimates approximately 500 Iowans will participate in the Safe at Home program within its second year.

"Safe at Home can save lives," Pate said. "If we save just one life, this program is worth it. Victims will have a much easier time escaping their abusers. For many victims, this might be the break they need to start rebuilding their lives. I look forward to helping them do that."

Click here for higher resolution picture of Governor Branstad signing the Safe at Home Act into law

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