Confidentiality Institute
Protecting privacy. Securing safety.

Resources

Resources for practicing confidentiality.

 

NNEDV CONFIDENTIALITY TOOLKIT

National Network to End Domestic Violence & Confidentiality Institute created a detailed toolkit on confidentiality obligations for victim services providers receiving federal funds through VAWA, FVPSA & VOCA, and the allied professionals working with those providers.  You’ll find FAQ’s, tipsheets, templates & the laws to help you implement best privacy practices. If you don’t find answers there, contact us to ask your question.

 


RAINN LAWS IN YOUR STATE

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network has put together the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of sexual assault-related laws in each of the U.S. states.  This resource includes confidentiality laws for sexual assault providers (but not laws specific to domestic violence providers), mandatory reporting laws for abuse of children and older/vulnerable adults, and rape/sexual assault/consent legal definitions, as well as other laws related to the issue of sexual assault.  This page is a great place to start your research, but is never a substitute for legal advice from a local attorney.
 


NNEDV AGENCY USE OF TECHNOLOGY TOOLKIT

NNEDV’s Safety Net Project also created a toolkit for agencies making difficult decisions about how to get the greatest value out of technology without risking survivor privacy or violating federal confidentiality requirements.  You’ll find tips for technology generally, best practices for devices and hardware, guidance for providing services via technology, and materials to help with assessing secure client information database options. If you don’t find your answers there, you can contact the Safety Net team to get your question answered.


VRLC RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONALS

Victim Rights Law Center has an excellent page full of resources for a wide range of professionals working with sexual assault survivors.  Their resources include state-by-state guidance on a wide range of mandatory reporting laws, privacy laws impacting survivors, and the possibility of waiver of privilege when different professionals share survivor information with each other, plus detailed best practices for assisting specific populations like students, farmworkers, elders, male survivors and people experiencing homelessness.
 


NNEDV TECHNOLOGY SAFETY BLOG

NNEDV’s blog on technology & privacy as it impacts violence survivors – whether they are using the tech or it is being used against them.  Find current events, toolkits, information on conferences, and the Tech Safety App for survivors. You will also find a detailed toolkit for survivors using technology and an App Safety Center offering tips and resources for the safe development and use of smartphone apps aimed at addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, harassment and stalking.
 


ABA SUBPOENA DEFENSE PROJECT

In partnership with the ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence, Confidentiality Institute created a Pro Bono Subpoena Defense Project to increase support for confidential professionals when their privilege is challenged in court and through subpoenas.  Attorney nationwide can ensure that state privilege laws are enforced as they were written so victim service providers spend their time serving survivors rather than sitting through invasive depositions & trial testimony. You’ll find recorded webinars and a manual for attorneys on this page. Contact us if you need more technical assistance or support.