Minnesota Democrats lead push to protect confidentiality for abuse victims

Minnesota Democratic lawmakers are leading a push to ensure the federal government does its part to shield the home addresses of domestic abuse survivors.

Legislation introduced Tuesday by Minnesota U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum would align federal law with state-run confidentiality programs meant to protect women and men who fear for their safety because of stalking, sexual abuse or other forms of intimate-partner violence.

Thirty-eight states, including Minnesota, allow residents facing danger to request a post office box to use as their legal address, keeping their home location confidential and out of reach to potential threats. More than 3,000 people were enrolled in Minnesota's "Safe at Home" program as of last month.

Public agencies and businesses in Minnesota must accept the alternate address for official purposes. But under current law, federal agencies don't have to do the same. Sponsors say that has caused problems for survivors seeking government services such as filing for Social Security benefits, filling out employment authorization forms and enrolling in federal early-childhood programs.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-democrats-lead-push-to-protect-confidentiality-for-abuse-victims/563667882/