Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate stopped by Clarion last week to share information about two initiatives his office is touting. Pate discussed the Safe at Home and Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking programs with representatives from various Clarion businesses and the Clarion Development Alliance.
First, Pate talked about the Safe at Home program, an address confidentiality program run through his office. The program offers services like a legal substitute address, mail-forwarding and confidential voter registration to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking. These services prevent participants’ addresses from appearing on public records and therefore help keep them safe.
Pate noted that they have around 1,200 participants in the Safe at Home program across 72 counties. People who would like to know more about the program can visit safeathome.iowa.gov.
The secretary also touted Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT). IBAT is a statewide recognition and education program from the Secretary of State’s office, empowering businesses to help in the fight to end human trafficking through trainings and outreach opportunities.
Pate stressed that human trafficking is much more prevalent in Iowa than most people may realize, including in rural areas. As a member of IBAT, businesses can help share facts, tips, and action items that others can take against human trafficking.
Businesses and groups can join the initiative by completing an online application. Businesses may go to ibat.iowa.gov to learn more and join the program.
