A new analysis in the Washington University Law Review finds that state address confidentiality programs (ACPs) meant to protect domestic violence survivors are often ineffective—and in some states, nonexistent.

Author Haley Bills highlights that at least six states lack ACPs entirely, while others have inconsistent standards that leave many survivors unprotected. These programs are designed to keep victims’ addresses off public records, such as voter rolls, to prevent abusers from finding them. 

Bills argues for a federal law to create baseline protections nationwide, calling the current state-by-state patchwork dangerous and insufficient. 

The article urges stronger oversight, better training for agencies handling ACPs, and more public awareness of their limitations.

As concerns grow over data privacy and survivor safety, the study adds urgency to calls for national reform.

Posted: May 22, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Freedom of Information Project, FOIA, open records laws