Protecting survivors’ privacy is a critical part of domestic violence advocacy. This collection of information, resources, and training materials will help advocates and organizations best protect the confidentiality of survivors.
State & federal laws protecting survivors’ personal information
- These slides provide an overview of laws and statutes for domestic violence program advocates, information on privileged communication, and how to handle a subpoena.
- There are state laws and regulations on confidentiality for domestic violence programs funded by the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS).
- Federal confidentiality laws are covered in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
- State law also describes what is needed for a Release of Information—express written permission by a program participant—to be valid.
- This quick reference handout summarizes Domestic Violence Programs, Confidentiality, & the Law in Washington.
Online trainings
- Confidentiality Refresh Webinar
- Technology Best Practices for Domestic Violence Agencies
- We Got a Subpoena – Now What?
Model policies & protocols
- Confidentiality When Working with Survivors
- Release of Information: Model Form & Best Practice
- Notice of Right to Confidentiality: Model Form & Best Practice
- Record Keeping When Working with Survivors
- Data Breaches & Confidentiality
Use of Technology
All organizations that work with survivors should consider technology safety and privacy issues when providing support services. The following resources are from TechSafety.org, a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
- Agency’s Use of Technology: Best Practices & Policies Toolkit
- Digital Services Toolkit
- How to Operate as a Remote Workplace During a Public Health Crisis
For additional information and advocacy tools, please review the “Confidentiality” topic in our Resource Library.