"One in 7 victims reported they moved as a result of the stalking" (BJS, 2009)

The ACP was established​ in 2006 and is administered by the Office of the Secretary of State. Its goal is to prevent future violence by working with governmental agencies and private companies to keep the location information for victims off public record. The ACP empowers Maryland residents who have recently relocated, or intend to relocate, to protect themselves as active members of society without fear. 

The ACP has two components:

• ​Substitute Address - the ACP assigns a legal substitute address for participants to use in place of a home, work, or school address. State law requires all government agencies, private companies, and individuals to accept the substitute address. 
• Mail-forwarding Service - ACP participants designate the Secretary of State as their agent to receive first-class, certified, and registered mail as well as service of process. Participant mail is forwarded free of charge to their confidential address.​​​

The ACP enables participants to maintain a confidential residential, school, or wok address and to safely:​

• Obtain a Maryland driver's license
• Register to vote
• Rent or purchase real property
• Enroll in school
• Access social services
• Participate in court proceedings
• Interact with law enforcement and emergency services

The ACP protects individuals and families who escaping concerns around DV/IPV, human trafficking, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Additionally, persons with greater security or privacy concerns, may qualify for the ACP.

Participants are responsible for notifying companies, agencies and individuals of their participation by showing their Authorization Card or providing a signed copy of the Noice of Participation. Anyone on notice must accept and use the substitute PO Box address as the participant's legal address. When notified that an individual participates in the ACP. State law requires that you:

• Do not ask the participant for another address unless knowledge of their actual residence is necessary. In these situations, the participant will disclose their address and provide the Notice.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the name and address of the participant, even within your organization. You may not upload the actual, residential address with the participant's name to a shared database.​
• Use the substitute PO Box address for all mail/correspondence, etc.​
• Obtain specific, written consent from the participant for disclosure if their information might be sold, transferred, or accessed in any way by someone other than the person to whom they provided notice.​
• Forward Notice to any person, company, or agency who receives the participant's information from you. You may not share participant information without written consent, from the participant, specific to the situation for which you will disclose participant information.​
  

Failure to comply with applicable law is a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500.