State-run Safe at Home program still, unbelievably, largely little-known
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News Tribune Editorial Board | 10:00 am, Apr. 28, 2021 ×
Since 2007, nearly 12,000 Minnesotans have been protected from abusive exes, stalkers, and others who’d do them harm by an innovative and effective but still, unbelievably, largely little-known address-confidentiality program.
Called Safe at Home, the state-run program assigns anyone who feels vulnerable or unsafe an alternative and anonymous P.O. Box, keeping their real address out of public records. The program confidentially sends participants’ mail to their actual addresses. In addition to the mail-forwarding service, their legal-in-every-way P.O. Box addresses can be used instead of their actual addresses for everything from registering to vote and getting a driver’s license to applying for a passport.
On Thursday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said this about the decision: “I thought it was the best thing for the cabinet, the best thing for the governor’s office that we go in different directions.”
We’ve been thinking that since former Gov. Eric Greitens appointed Williams to the job in 2017. But Parson makes it sound as though he’s just decided to take a different artistic tack for now. And of course, without saying so, he makes it clear that you bet, there was a problem.
Here’s one: Like Parson himself, Williams bungled Missouri’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic with a weak response to the virus over the last year.
Diaz was killed in the line of duty in 2019, while responding to a domestic violence call.
Because of Officer Diazâs intervention, he was able to save the life of a pregnant woman and get her to safety before the situation escalated. The ceremony was also held in recognition of Crime Victims Rights week with other families who have been impacted by crime.
âOfficer Diaz was a true hero who showed the utmost bravery and selflessness, even in the face of grave danger,â said Assemblymember Salas.
âOfficer Diazâs actions helped save the lives of a pregnant mother by putting himself in harm s way during her time of need. We must work together to end domestic violence and the tragedy it can bring upon our families. I am glad that the community came together to honor the legacy of Officer Diaz during National Crime Victims Rights Week with a tree dedication to ensure that his service and legacy lives on,â he continued.
ATTORNEY S OFFICE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS: Eastern District of Texas Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of National Crime Victims Rights Week setexasrecord.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from setexasrecord.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Honoring and assisting crime victims
A banner remembering homicide victims from Meigs County was displayed on the Pomeroy Levee.
Square One Executive Director Ashley Durst speaks at the National Crime Victim Rights Week event.
Several agencies were set up as part of the resource fair.
Meigs County Victim Assistance staff are pictured with Prosecutor James K. Stanley. Pictured (from left) are Director Shelley Kemper, Stanley, Advocate Katie Gilkey and Advocate Ashley Greenlee.
Prosecutor James K. Stanley and Victim Assistance staff Shelley Kemper, Ashley Greenlee and Katie Gilkey are pictured with Judges Scott Powell and Linda Warner.
Local law enforcement officers, Prosecutor’s office staff and Victim Assistance staff are pictured at the National Crime Victim Rights Week resource fair on Friday.