Law Signed Protecting Confidentiality Of RI Domestic Violence Victims

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday signed legislation protecting the confidentiality of survivors of domestic violence.

The legislation establishes the Address Confidentiality Program, which allows survivors of domestic violence to apply to the Secretary of State to have an address designated by as the person's substitute address.

"Ensuring the privacy and protection of domestic violence survivors is of the utmost importance," McKee said. "This legislation, which I am proud to sign, provides Rhode Islanders the opportunity to safely live their lives, free of worry or concern that their abusers will be able to harm them or their loved ones. I sincerely thank the legislators, advocates, and organizations who saw to it that this legislation passed the House and Senate and made it to my desk."

The bill signing ceremony, in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, took place at the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Warwick.

"When victims of domestic abuse relocate after fleeing violence, we must do all we can to keep them safe and protect their wellbeing," said Lucy Rios, the executive director for the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "This life-saving program provides an extra layer of safety and security for survivors and their children, and gives them peace of mind that their abuser will not find them."