Lexington, Kentucky, October 2, 2025
News Summary
In response to a dramatic rise in domestic violence incidents, Secretary of State Michael Adams calls for expanding Kentucky’s Safe At Home program. This initiative aims to ensure address confidentiality for survivors, vital for their safety. The program has seen increased participation since being revitalized in 2020, making it more accessible by removing the requirement for a protective order. With significant support now, the program is expected to enhance protections for victims across Kentucky.
Lexington, Kentucky — In response to a troubling rise in domestic violence incidents, Secretary of State Michael Adams is pushing for the expansion of Kentucky’s Safe At Home program. The initiative helps domestic violence survivors maintain the confidentiality of their addresses in state records, a critical measure to protect them from their abusers.
In 2023, Kentucky reported over 32,000 incidents of domestic violence, which marks the highest rate in the United States. Keeping survivors’ addresses confidential is vital, as public access to this information could allow abusers to easily track their victims. Adams highlighted the urgency of the program during his address at the National Association of Confidential Address Programs Conference held in Lexington.
The Safe At Home program, originally established in 2013, had languished without sufficient support until Adams’ administration revitalized it in 2020. At that time, the program had only 10 active participants despite the state’s population of 4.5 million. Since then, the number of protected addresses has grown to several hundred as the program gained momentum.
A key factor in increasing enrollment has been the streamlined application process. Previously, individuals had to obtain a protective order from a judge to enroll in the program, a barrier that often forced survivors to confront their abuser in court. The removal of this requirement is intended to facilitate greater access for survivors seeking safety.
Furthermore, Kentucky has established reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing the exchange of information regarding address confidentiality. This expansion is crucial in broadening the program’s reach and effectiveness in protecting domestic violence survivors.
Adams expressed commitment to continue enhancing the Safe At Home program, which aims to provide more robust protection for victims by concealing their addresses from public records, including state databases and voter rolls. Victim advocacy groups have acknowledged the significant improvements made to the program, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
Background of the Safe At Home Program
The Safe At Home initiative was introduced in Kentucky in 2013. However, due to a lack of support and awareness, participation was minimal for many years. Under Adams’ direction, the program has become more accessible, facilitating the enrollment process for victims of domestic violence looking for refuge. By addressing barriers to entry, the program has gradually attracted more participants, providing them with a safer means of living without the fear of being located by their abusers.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans
The Secretary of State emphasized plans for further expansion of the program, expressing hope that it can aid a growing number of survivors in Kentucky and beyond. Enhancements to the program are driven by the alarming statistics surrounding domestic violence in the state, prompting a cooperative effort among governmental and advocacy organizations to provide effective aid to those in need.
Key Statistics
- Kentucky’s reported domestic violence incidents in 2023: 32,000+
- Population of Kentucky: 4.5 million
- Initial participants in the program when Adams took office in 2020: 10
- Current protected individuals: several hundred
Conclusion
With the ongoing advocacy and enhancements of the Safe At Home program, officials hope to empower more domestic violence survivors in Kentucky. By ensuring their addresses remain confidential, the program aims to provide a sense of safety and stability that allows survivors to rebuild their lives free from the threat of their abusers.
FAQ
What is the Safe At Home program?
The Safe At Home program helps domestic violence survivors maintain the confidentiality of their addresses in state records to protect them from their abusers.
Why is address confidentiality important for domestic violence survivors?
Keeping addresses confidential prevents abusers from locating their victims, providing a crucial layer of safety.
What changes have been made to the program under Secretary Adams?
The application process has been streamlined, and the requirement for a protective order to enroll in the program has been removed, making it more accessible for survivors.
How many domestic violence incidents were recorded in Kentucky in 2023?
There were more than 32,000 recorded domestic violence incidents in Kentucky in 2023.
How many participants were in the program in 2020?
When Secretary Adams took over in 2020, there were only 10 participants in the program.
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