Domestic Violence Article
Arizona Address Confidentiality Program
This article discusses the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program, which help victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and/or stalking use a substitute mailing address whenever they interact with a state or local government agency so that perpetrators and others cannot use Arizona’s public records to find out where the victim is living or receiving their mail.
What is the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program?
The Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and/or stalking keep the location of where they are living or receiving their mail confidential.
When was the ACP established?
The ACP was established by the Arizona legislature in 2012 when it was enacted into law under Chapter 3 of Title 41 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) at A.R.S. § 41-161 et seq.
How does the ACP keep a victim’s location confidential?
The ACP lets victims use a substitute mailing address, so that anyone who searches for them through Arizona’s public records will be unable to find out where they are actually living or receiving their mail.
How does the ACP work?
Whenever a victim is asked to provide their address, they provide a substitute mailing address instead of their real address. Although this substitute mailing address is the address that appears in Arizona’s public records, any mail that is sent to the victim at that address is secretly forwarded to the victim’s real address. The substitute mailing address is good for 5 years.
How does a participant use the ACP?
A victim who participates in the ACP is provided with an ACP Authorization Card that they may present to state and local government agencies whenever they are asked to provide an address. The Authorization Card requires the state or local government agency to accept the substitute address so that the victim can keep their actual address to themselves.
The substitute address may be used in place of the victim’s home, work, school, or mailing address.
Examples of when a victim may show their ACP Authorization Card and use their substitute address include:
• Court papers
• Police reports
• Driver license/ID card/vehicle registration
• Social services (AHCCCS/SNAP/TANF/child support/etc.)
• Public schools
• Public library cards
• Voter registration
A state or local government agency employee who intentionally or knowingly discloses a victim’s real address or telephone number without authorization may be breaking the law and therefore guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can the ACP accept service of process on behalf of a participant?
Yes. The ACP can act as a participant’s legal agent for service of process and can also accept and sign for other documents, including notices and demands.
Can a participant have their address removed from an existing public record?
Yes. But only from records that were created within the 90 days prior to the beginning of the victim’s participation in the ACP.
A victim who participates in the ACP may ask any state or local government agency to redact (remove or obscure) their real address from any agency record that was created up to 90 days before the victim began using a substitute address.
Who may participate in the ACP?
To participate in the ACP, a person must meet certain requirements. They must:
• Be a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense (such as rape, sexual assault, or molestation), and/or stalking
• Be in fear of their safety
• Either (a) have already moved within the past 90 days to a new location within Arizona that is unknown to the perpetrator of the domestic violence, sexual offense, and/or stalking OR (b) be planning to move in the near future to a new location within Arizona that is unknown to the perpetrator of the domestic violence, sexual offense, and/or stalking
• Have documentation showing that they are a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, and/or stalking
• Be at least 18 years old (or be the parent of a minor child acting on behalf of the child or the guardian of an incapacitated person acting on behalf of the incapacitated person)
How may a victim sign up to participate in the ACP?
A victim who is interested in participating in the ACP may not sign up themselves. Instead, they must meet – in person – with a registered Application Assistant.
What is an Application Assistant?
Application assistants are people who are specially trained to help victims learn if they can participate in the ACP and to help them sign up if they are. Application assistants are located throughout Arizona in organizations that provide counseling, referral, shelter, and/or assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking.
What does an Application Assistant do?
An Application Assistant:
• Describes for the victim how the ACP works and what the ACP does
• Explains to the victim what the responsibilities of ACP participants are
• Works with the victim to incorporate the ACP into the victim’s overall safety plan
• Helps the victim complete the ACP application, recommends the victim for approval, and forwards the victim’s application directly to the ACP
Where may I find a nearby Application Assistant?
A list of organizations throughout Arizona that have an Application Assistant on staff is available here: https://azsos.gov/services/acp/application-assistants
Is participating in the ACP free?
Yes. Participation in the ACP is free. In addition, the ACP accepts all First Class, registered, certified, and election mail on behalf of each participant and forwards it to the participant’s real address at no cost.
Who runs the ACP program?
The ACP is managed by the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State.
How may I learn more about the ACP?
If you would like to learn more about the ACP, you may:
• visit the ACP website: https://azsos.gov/services/acp
• email the ACP: [email protected]
• telephone the ACP: (602) 542-1653
• write to the ACP by mail: 1901 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ, 85009
DATE PUBLISHED: March 2020
Sources and further reading
State of Arizona – Address Confidentiality Program: https://azsos.gov/services/acp
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence: https://www.acesdv.org
Arizona Supreme Court – Domestic Violence Information: https://www.azcourts.gov/domesticviolencelaw
Arizona Attorney General – Victim Services: https://www.azag.gov/criminal/victim-services
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 44-162: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/00162.htm
Comments:
QUESTIONS
-
where do I go yo file a restraining order?
-
My parents kept seeing maks on my body assuming it was from being beat when really it was from aggressive sexual activities with my fiancé. Even though I told them it wasn't abuse I was embarrassed and afraid to tell them otherwise, so when they filed a report against my fiancé stating that he was hurting me and after I begged them not to do so they made it seem like they had already picked him up and took him in so when I spoke to the officer I was extremely distraught and went along with it anyways. He faces a hearing is there anyway I can stop this from happening,
-
My son's father and his girlfriend had a domestic violence incident in his home where she broke glass, furniture, and physically assaulted him. The police came. My 5 year old son was in the home at the time. I would like to get a restraining order against her for my son. I don't want my son to be exposed to that again. She has also been harrassing me via hundreds of texts, phone calls, social media messages, etc. Do I have enough to file for a restraining order against her for my son? My concern is for my son's safety.
-
On Thanksgiving day of 2017. My ex fiance assaulted me at a circle k. Police report was filed. He's mother took gaurdainship of are daughter. So when I visit the minor I'm really nervous. Can there be order of protection against my ex and his fiance and can I put my minor child on the protection?
-
My son went to court and got my restraining order against him dismissed. I went to court and got a copy of the proof of service which was signed by his fiancée. She never served me. Is it legal for her to serve me?
-
My best friend is having issues with her husband. He drinks every day to the point of total intoxication. He is verbally abusive and demeaning to her. He has pushed her, head butted her and told her that he “should beat her ass”. He has maxed out her credit cards and does everything he can to financially entrap her. They have 2 children 13 and 15. She is afraid to leave the kids with him because of his drinking and because he is not dependable. My friend wants to leave but due to the financial position he continues to put her in, she cannot afford to get out. Is this considered DV? Options?
-
I need to no if I can be Evicted cause I wrote letter to the Manager letting her no she over charged me for Rent for the mouth of July. I was placed her threw a Domestic vilioce Shelter n everything was explained to the Manager when I was brought here. She was told that I get paid every 2 weeks and that I work at ----. So we explained to her ( Manager ) that I will not be able to pay the Rent on the First of the Mo. She agreed with that and said she will work with me on the Rent. Now the Housing program Paid the Rent up for 3 mos. Now she is Evicteing me for being late on this Mo.
-
My ex husband came through the drive thru of my work while I was off, said to a coworker that he would pay him to kill me. My co worker told me and my boss about this. The police were notified and they said, " Well youre still standing, I guess if anything happens to you, we will start an investigation." Is this legal?
-
I am the petitioner of a protective order and the defendant has not been served yet. Our court date is next week. What is gonna happen? Will they dismiss it or continue it.
-
I was granted a Protective order 2 days ago. I need a victim advocate to clarify the terms granted. OR ANYONE who clarify if I can remove my belongings legally. The police Said he could and he did. I have to move because he has all the money. Im trying to keep the residence, but its gonna be a battle. I have rights to reside here now til hearing on 25th of August.
STORIES
LegalLEARN
-
Free & Reduced Fees Legal Aid Resources
Click Here to apply online, or call
866-637-5341.
FIND LEGAL HELP
- Please select your county of residence below.
OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES
-
State Bar of Arizona
www.azbar.org -
Maricopa County Bar
www.maricopabar.org
Referral number 602-257-4434 -
Pima County Bar
www.pimacountybar.org
Referral number 520-623-4625 -
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233 -
Bankruptcy Court Self Help Center
866-553-0893 -
Certified Legal Document Preparer Program
Link
ORGANIZATIONS
- Defenders of Children
View full description - Maricopa County Bar Lawyer Referral Service
View full description - DNA - People's Legal Services - Chinle
View full description - Community Legal Services - San Luis - Yuma County
View full description - Arizona Community Action Association
View full description
RELATED ARTICLES
Things You Should Know about Protective Orders
Domestic Violence Survivor's Guide
Apache County Resources for Domestic Violence
Cochise County Resources for Domestic Violence
Coconino County Resources for Domestic Violence
Gila County Resources for Domestic Violence
Graham County Resources for Domestic Violence
Greenlee County Resources for Domestic Violence
La Paz County Resources for Domestic Violence
Maricopa County Domestic Violence Resources
Mohave County Resources for Domestic Violence
Navajo County Resources for Domestic Violence
Pima County Resources for Domestic Violence
Pinal County Resources for Domestic Violence
Santa Cruz County Resources for Domestic Violence
Yavapai County Resources for Domestic Violence
Yuma County Resources for Domestic Violence
Tribal Resources for Domestic Violence
County Resources for Domestice Violence Victims
Where to Find an Attorney for Specific Legal Advice
Domestic Violence Resource Guide - DNA People's Legal Services
Protective Order Center - How to Obtain an Order of Protection from the Court