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Contributed commentary by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month; this solemn observance should serve as a reminder to all Tennesseans about the gravity of crimes — including domestic abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and other sexual offenses — committed against some of our most vulnerable.
Data from the Tennessee Department of Health indicates that approximately 68,000 citizens became domestic violence victims in 2021 alone. Sadly, only about 49 percent ever report a crime to police; many hold back for fear of retaliation from their abusers. Tennessee law enforcement has also reported statewide domestic violence incidents involving children as young as a year old, ranging all the way up to 65.
Since its 2019 launch, Safe at Home has successfully served nearly 1,500 program participants; this program has ensured participants’ residential addresses no longer appear on public records or those disclosed under the Tennessee Public Records Act. The program also provides certified application assistance throughout Tennessee to assist with identifying potential applicants and to help them complete this process.
All household members of a Safe at Home program participant may also use the substitute address provided for public record purposes. The overall goal is also to help them avoid the potential for additional threats, further acts of violence, or instances of intimidation. Finally, Safe at Home forwards all participant mail securely to decrease the likelihood of a victim being located.
Safe at Home effectively provides survivors an additional layer of safety — both in April and throughout the year. Thanks to the continued partnership between our office and statewide agencies, survivors continue to have access to critical information that will hopefully mitigate the likelihood of their re-victimization.
To learn more about the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program, please visit SafeatHomeTN.com. Together, we can all continue doing our part to stand with and support survivors, so they remain safe and successful.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett