South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced the details of a new Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) aimed at protecting victims of certain crimes. The program, set to launch this fall, will offer victims a substitute address to prevent their real location from being discovered through public records.
The ACP was established under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-130, signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on July 2, 2024. It will be administered by the Office of the Attorney General and is designed to assist victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, harassment, and sexual offenses. “Our office has always been focused on helping victims of crime,” said Attorney General Wilson. “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 participate in the program, applicants must meet with a registered Application Assistant to complete the application process and verify eligibility based on victimization type and South Carolina residency. Once approved, participants receive a welcome packet containing necessary information about the program.
The ACP aims to enhance security for those who believe disclosing their location could endanger them or their families. However, it does not serve as a witness protection program and cannot protect participants from legal obligations. Legal documents and certified mail will be forwarded by ACP staff acting as agents for service of process.
The program will disclose participants’ confidential addresses only when statutory requirements are met for agencies with legitimate needs.
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]. Further details can be found at www.scag.gov/acp.
