Some victims of sexual assault do not seek services because they are afraid that the information they share with sexual assault victim advocates will not be kept private. They may not be aware that there are laws, statutes, and regulations that establish legal rights regarding privacy and confidential communication for sexual assault victims. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) funded the Protecting Victims' Right to Privacy demonstration project to help raise awareness of sexual assault victims' privacy and confidentiality rights. This online guide is a product of the grant, which was in effect from 2005 to 2007.
OVC chose Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. (CONNSACS) to implement the project, which supported OVC's goal of ensuring that all crime victims are afforded fundamental rights and receive comprehensive quality services. CONNSACS expanded the capacity of professionals to advance victims' right to privacy and to improve confidential services provided to victims of sexual violence.
Under this project, CONNSACS developed this online guide to provide practical assistance and recommendations to statewide sexual assault coalitions and rape crisis centers, and their board of directors, volunteers, and staff for protecting sexual assault victims' right to privacy. This e-publication also addresses common challenges, discusses core concepts, and offers practical tips to assist advocates in their efforts to maintain victim confidentiality and better serve victims.
Joye E. Frost
Acting Director
Office for Victims of Crime
