South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has revealed details of the state’s forthcoming Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), set to commence this fall. The program is designed to safeguard certain crime victims by providing them with a substitute address, thereby shielding their actual location from public records.
Governor Henry McMaster signed the relevant legislation, S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-130, into law on July 2, 2024. The ACP will be administered by the Office of the Attorney General and aims to assist victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, harassment, and sexual offenses.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Our office has always been focused on helping victims of crime. This new program is another important step in making sure people who’ve already been victimized can feel safer knowing that where they’re now living is confidential.”
To join the program, applicants must consult with a registered Application Assistant who will aid in completing the application process and verify eligibility requirements such as type of victimization and South Carolina residency. Upon meeting these criteria, ACP staff will certify eligible individuals as participants and provide them with a welcome packet containing pertinent information.
The ACP seeks to enhance security for those who believe disclosing their location could compromise their safety or heighten risks to themselves or their families. It should be noted that while the ACP offers confidentiality regarding addresses, it does not serve as a witness protection program nor does it absolve legal obligations. Legal documents and certified mail will still reach participants through mail forwarding services facilitated by ACP staff.
In cases where statutory requirements are fulfilled, agencies with legitimate needs may obtain access to a participant’s confidential address for administrative or law enforcement purposes.
The Address Confidentiality Program is scheduled to launch in early October 2025.
Contact information for the ACP includes phone number 803-734-4517 and email [email protected]. More details can be found at www.scag.gov/acp.
