What is the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) and how does it work?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) was established by Chapter 409 of the Acts of 2000. Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape and stalking often attempt to escape from actual or threatened violence by relocating. Often the perpetrator of the violence finds the new address quickly. ACP assists victims by providing them with a substitute address when dealing with municipal and state agencies. This mail forwarding service when used in combination with safety planning provided by domestic violence agencies greatly enhances victims' safety when interacting with city, town or state government agencies.

The substitute address is used as the program participant's legal address in Massachusetts in lieu of their residential, work and/or school address. Consequently, such government agency records do not identify the victim's new location.

Administration of the ACP is provided for by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth at 950 CMR 130.