When it comes to protecting your safety and privacy, Missouri’s Safe at Home program offers vital tools for survivors who need an extra layer of protection. Managed by the Secretary of State’s office, this address confidentiality program is designed to help people who fear for their safety due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or other crimes. Let’s break down what the program does, how to get involved, and why it matters.
What Is Safe at Home?
Since 2007, Safe at Home, an arm of the office of the Missouri Secretary of State,
has served as Missouri’s address protection solution for those who are survivors of dangerous or violent situations. It gives participants a designated confidential address to use for public records instead of their real address, helping prevent abusers or others from finding them. The program helps people maintain anonymity in public records that might otherwise reveal their physical address.
- Mail to participants is rerouted through the Secretary of State’s office. So even when documents or bills are sent, their real address remains hidden behind a secure forwarding system.
Why It Matters
- Safety and privacy
This program helps reduce risk by keeping individuals safe from unwanted contact or harassment.
- Legal support
The confidential address can be used in court cases or legal filings, which is important if you need proof of your residence or need to serve papers without exposing your physical location.
- Peace of mind
Survivors don’t have to worry about every public form or record giving away their location.
Who Can Apply & How
If you’re thinking Safe at Home might help you, here are the key steps:
- Eligibility
The program is open to anyone in Missouri who is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or similar crimes, and who fears future harm.
- Application assistance
You’ll need to apply through a specially trained Application Assistant, like those at the Greene County Family Justice Center, or another approved agency. These assistants help you fill out the paperwork correctly and submit it on your behalf.
- Mail forwarding
Once accepted, your mail is rerouted via the Secretary of State’s designated address. Your confidential address becomes part of your public record when needed, while your actual residence stays private.
What To Know Before You Apply
- Keep documentation
For legal or official matters (like in court), having your Safe at Home participation verified can help if address records are required.
- Stay in contact
It’s important to respond to any communications from the Safe at Home office so your mail forwarding continues without interruption.
- Use authorized services
Going through an application assistant like the Navigators here at Greene County Family Justice Center is essential. Applications are only accepted if submitted through preapproved, Safe-at-Home certified application assistants.
How Safe at Home Helps in Court
Safe at Home isn’t just about privacy, it can also play a critical role in legal settings.
- Your designated address can be submitted in legal documents.
- It helps protect your identity and location in public filings.
- Courts recognize the confidentiality status, which can be crucial in restraining orders, protective orders, or other legal proceedings where safety is a concern.
Missouri’s Safe at Home program is more than just mail forwarding—it’s a lifeline for people seeking safety, dignity, and peace of mind. If you or someone you know is living in fear, this program offers tangible support to stay protected and empowered.
For more information, to find an Application Assistant, or to start the application process, visit the Safe at Home page on the Missouri Secretary of State’s site.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.