Domestic Violence Victims/Survivors: Confidentiality

Domestic Violence is a serious issue that affects countless of families on a daily basis. It is a widespread issue that does not discriminate based on social class, orientation, race, religion, etc. Moreover, it is an issue that not only results in victims experiencing physical trauma but also emotional and psychological trauma as well; thus, as a result of this, it is important that victims are protected through confidentiality. This will ensure that victims are protected after they have decided to leave the abusive relationship.

The National Coalition Against Violence (NCADV), states that “the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other. However, despite the impact that domestic violence has on victims, there are various resources and programs available to assist – all of which are confidential to those that seek them.

Betty McEntire, the Executive Director of the new Address Confidentiality Program in Arizona explains how the program works in this YouTube video. This program allows domestic violence victims “to use the Arizona’s Secretary of State’s Office as their mailing address.” One of the key aspects of this program is to limit the participant’s likelihood that their physical address will be displayed on Google Maps or anywhere else on the Internet in order to decrease stalking or additional harm to the victim. Arizona is one of 27 states that have adopted this program. (see here for a complete list)

On July 28, 2017, the New York Department of State tweeted a link to the Address Confidentiality 2014 Annual Report, which explains how the program works in the state of New York, and addresses the service of process as well as how the mail is handled and dispersed to the victims.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), an organization that has become a leading voice for domestic violence victims as well as for advocates seeking to enforce change through a wide range of programs and public policy, “victims of domestic violence are at a greatest risk of homicide at the point of separation or after leaving their violent partner.” As a result, the NNEDV has taken legislative actions, such as the revision of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to ensure that victims are not harassed, threatened, or potentially killed by their abusers. The act now “protects shelters from requirements to [even] share personally identifying data with third-party databases,” such as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Please refer to the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate Confidentiality Laws for each state’s confidential/privileged communications of domestic violence/sexual assault.