The report reveals that information on the location of victims of violence is readily available through a variety of legitimate means. Postal service, voter registration records, motor vehicle records, school records, credit bureaus, computerized data bases, and caller ID are all sources of critical information that might, in the wrong hands, lead to further abuse and criminal actions. This report highlights the importance of balancing the confidentiality of personal information of victims against the importance of providing public access to address information for legitimate purposes and in compliance with constitutional constraints. It recommends education as the primary tool to accommodate that balance. Employees who handle personal information need a greater understanding of privacy rights. Victims of violence must be made aware both of the technology that compromises their security and the services and options that may help guard confidential information about themselves. The report also recommends that States re-evaluate their privacy and confidentiality statutes to determine their effectiveness. Public agencies should adopt or improve internal protocols that govern the dissemination of personal information. Private companies should examine their procedures associated with the confidentiality and possible disclosure of information that may place victims and their families at risk. The impact of the Internet and related technological developments needs to be addressed also. 18-item bibliography and appended confidentiality of domestic violence victims' locations survey and a list of respondents to the survey
Confidentiality of Domestic Violence Victims' Addresses
NCJ Number
164064
Date Published
1995
Length
99 pages
Annotation
The safety and security of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking can be at risk when information about the location of their residence or workplace becomes known by their victimizers; this report is a first step toward addressing this problem.
Abstract
Date Published: January 1, 1995