Confidentiality: An Advocate's Guide, Record-Keeping and Information-Sharing

Victim/survivor files and program files pose the risk that confidential information about victim/survivors could be released, breaching their right to privacy, undermining their legal interests and/or compromising their safety. Domestic violence and sexual assault programs have a fiduciary responsibility to protect confidential communications and records of victim/survivors that they serve. Policies and practice guidelines should be adopted by programs to establish clear record-keeping practices, set parameters for retention and destruction of client case files and program records and safeguard the confidentiality of information about victim/survivors who seek services. This resource offers useful practice tips and guidelines.