ANY INFORMATION A VICTIM SHARES WITH AN ADVOCATE IS CONFIDENTIAL

Confidentiality is the foundation of our work. We as advocates must not discuss any information a victim has given us with anyone, unless they ask us to do so and give us permission in writing. Even if someone says that s/he just wants to know how they are doing, we tell him/her that we cannot affirm or deny whether we are working with that person or not. Simply put - we will not tell anyone - not the police, not a victims family, not their friends - that we are working with this person, unless that client asks us to do so, and then again, we get this in writing.

Limits: For the victims protection and the protection of others, the law places limits on confidentiality. If a client states that they seriously intend to harm themself or another person, we as advocates are mandated by law to report such intent. We also must report if: There is suspicion of child or elder abuse or neglect; a client is pregnant and using illegal drugs; and/or if a client were abused by a psychologist or psychiatrist.