Confidentiality Policy

Reducing the Risk has an obligation of trust to all victims of domestic violence with whom it works.

All personal information that any member of staff receives from a victim of domestic violence is treated as confidential.

All records held in relation to the work of the charity are confidential and conform to data protection legislation, human rights legislation and the primary duty of confidentiality to service users.

The duty of confidentiality is made explicit in all staff contracts and remains a duty when the member of staff leaves the organisation. A commitment to confidentiality is also made by all volunteers including trustees, students on placement with the charity and, as appropriate, services which support the work of the charity.

Any disclosure of information will normally take place with the express permission of the service user for the purpose of promoting their safety and wellbeing. The two exceptions are:

• Where it is considered necessary for the safety, welfare and protection of a child or adult at risk to disclose information to the appropriate authority without explicit consent.
• Where the charity is working within the information-sharing policy which guides the MARAC process to promote the safety of victims at significant risk. In this case, the obligation of confidentiality is shared amongst the participating agencies through an agreement which conforms to the relevant legislation.