Databases, Confidentiality, and Third Parties
When domestic violence and sexual assault programs are selecting databases to store information, there are many things they need to consider. These considerations may depend on who owns the database, who has access to the database, where the data is stored, and more. This tip sheet briefly highlights: agencies and programs' obligations to confidentiality; how different types of databases impact confidentiality; benefits, risks, and considerations in choosing internally maintained databases versus off-site, remote databases maintained by a third party.
This piece was created by the NNEDV Safety Net Project to assist U.S. DOJ Office of Violence Against Women (DOJ-OVW) grantees and other agencies and partnerships with identifying and addressing privacy and confidentiality concerns that can arise from using databases. This technology safety tip sheet is meant to help with issue spotting. It is understood that a more in-depth look of the grantee’s technology plans and implementation may be necessary to fully ensure a grantee is most effectively addressing victim safety concerns.
Download: Databases, Confidentiality, and Third Parties (3 page PDF)