Iowans deserve to be ‘Safe at Home’

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new year, and the dawning of a safer, more stable life for many Iowans working to escape abusive relationships.

Too often survivors of domestic violence are reminded of the past when an abuser discovers their location and they are forced to move. The 'Safe at Home” program, passed unanimously by the Iowa Legislature and signed into law last year, seeks to change that reality and break a harmful cycle.

Iowans who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking or other violent crimes can sign up through the Secretary of State to have home addresses shielded from public records. Participants are provided a substitute address from which mail is confidentially forwarded to program participants.

While this may seem like a slight change, outcomes for renters are significant. Participants can once again enroll children in school, obtain a driver's license, apply for jobs, register to vote and correspond with courts and state agencies while keeping their exact location private.

Applications are being accepted now. Individuals interested should visit the safeathome.iowa.gov website for additional information and an application form.

Incidents of domestic violence occur throughout the Hawkeye State. Each year, for instance, about 500 such cases are filed in Linn County. During the past five years, charges have resulted in roughly 800 convictions, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The Attorney General's Crime Victim Assistance Division says, at any given time, nearly 21,000 Iowans statewide receive victim assistance services due to incidents of domestic violence. Iowa courts convict about 3,500 people each year for domestic violence offenses.

Sadly, an average of 13 deaths each year in Iowa are attributed to relationship violence.

Advocates and lawmakers believe this program will reduce that figure, and we hope they are right.

One drawback is the program can't shield participants from real estate records, which prevents former victims from taking the next step to normalcy through homeownership or business establishment. While added protection for renters is good, we'd like to see this loophole closed.

Regardless, the 'Safe at Home” program moves in the right direction. It provides former victims a much needed added layer of protection - and greater peace of mind.

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