YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START difficult to go through. It can be slow, it is often hard to getinformation about the status of your case, and testifying in a trialmakes many women feel as though they are re-experiencing theassault. There are a number of safeguards in place to make the processless difficult and intimidating for the victim than it used to be, but itis still very hard.Women are sometimes afraid to ask for help or to talk about theirsexual assault because they have concerns about their privacy. Whenyou meet with someone for support, ask what kind of confidentialitythey offer and how they keep their files and records secure andprivate. Women’s organizations generally offer high levels ofconfidentiality. Staff often share information amongst themselves sothey can offer the best support and services possible, but do not shareinformation about clients with anyone outside the organization,unless you have consented. There are three exceptions to this:• If there is a child protection concern, the staff will have to share thatinformation with the appropriate authority, whether or not youconsent.• If the staff believe you are a threat to yourself or others, they arerequired to provide that information to the authorities.• If a court orders the agency to turn over information or a file/record,it must do so.Unfortunately, in sexual assault cases, sometimes the accused tries toget access to the therapy or counseling records of the victim. This isusually an intimidation strategy and it can be very successful.If your abuser tries to do this, he has to bring a formal application inthe criminal court. You will get a notice of this as will your counseloror therapist. You and she both have an opportunity to tell the courtwhy you do not want to turn over your record. Most of the time,women are successful in keeping their counseling or therapy recordssafe in this situation.You should talk to your counselor and to a lawyer if you get servedwith a notice that your abuser is trying to get your records.Finding someone to talk to after a sexual assault is very important. Ifyou follow the suggestions above, you should be able to get thesupport you need and keep your privacy.51