It is imperative that shelters are safe and secure for survivors. Stalking, harassment, and ongoing threats of harm are common tactics used by abusers used to regain control when the person they are victimizing leaves or attempts to leave. Decisions about recording or sharing personal information must be handled with utmost discretion. For more information about the safe use of technology, including data security and online service provision, please see the Special Collection: Safety & Privacy in Digital World.
"Confidentiality and privilege are key to keeping battered women safe and represent the cornerstones of all successful advocacy and shelter programs. At its most basic level, confidentiality equals safety. In order to maximize and safeguard confidentiality, advocates must be familiar with a variety of laws, policies and requirements." - BJWP, 2007