I am a survivor of domestic violence. The scars are not only physical, but emotional, and the fear resides in knowing that my assailant has all the information he needs to continue inflicting harm. My abuser can simply have another woman pretend to be me, obtain my physical address from utility companies, and put me in grave danger.

Today, I urge you to understand the urgency of strengthening the protection system for victims like myself. It is essential that we require all utility companies to accept the address substitutions provided by Address Confidentiality Programs (ACPs). ACPs offer a lifeline to survivors by providing a legal substitute address to ensure their actual location remains confidential.

Statistically, more than 1 in 3 women in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Many of these victims continue to face threats by their abusers, fueled by the ability to access their whereabouts easily. This critical loophole in the system allows perpetrators to perpetuate fear, control, and continued harassment.

However, today we can transform this abhorrent reality. By adopting privacy measures, like mandating utility companies to honor ACPs, we can offer survivors the safety they deserve. Domestic violence thrives in the shadows. The time has come not only to bring it into the light - but combat it through impactful legislation.

Your voice matters. Your signature matters. Let's assuage the fears of millions of victims living in the shadows, haunted by the past. Stand with the survivors. Sign this petition today. Insist that all utility companies accept the addresses provided by ACPs to buffer domestic violence survivors from their abusers.