Protecting victims from additional harm is imperative.
Credit a statewide official and like-minded legislators for championing a bill to strengthen an existing prevention program.
Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander is pushing legislation to enhance the Safe at Home address confidentiality program administered by his office. The program, according to the secretary, "provides survivors of sexual assault, rape, stalking and domestic violence a substitute mailing address."
Under the mechanics of the program, the secretary's office forwards participants' first-class mail, certified mail and court documents to help keep their location confidential. The substitute address also appears on public records, preventing the use of government documents to locate victims.
Despite the protection, some abusers, stalkers and harassers persist in attempts to access confidential addresses.
In response, Kander is seeking to expand the crime of aggravated stalking to include accessing or attempting to access the address of a Safe at Home participant. The class D felony would be punishable by up to four years imprisonment.
"Since 2007," Kander said, "our Safe at Home program has protected more than 2,000 women, men and children in Missouri who have escaped their abusers. Strengthening the program in this way will give law enforcement more tools to protect survivors."
The secretary's proposal is contained in legislation filed by state Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors. She is optimistic her legislative colleagues will act quickly on the bill to "reduce domestic violence against women, men and children while helping these victims escape their attackers."
We encourage lawmakers to act expeditiously on this bill.
Victims of violence must not be forced to live in fear of further harm.
This proposal would extend a greater degree of safety, protection and peace of mind.