When handling confidential information about a victim, which practices protect privacy while performing your duties?

• A. Limit access to information, follow agency policy, redact sensitive details, secure records, and discuss only with authorized personnel.
• B. Share information with all colleagues to ensure transparency.
• C. Post sensitive records publicly to demonstrate accountability.
• D. Keep records unsecured so they are readily accessible.

Answer: (A)

Protecting victim confidentiality relies on restricting access to information and handling it according to policy. Limiting access, redacting sensitive details, securing records, and discussing information only with authorized personnel all work together to minimize exposure, prevent harm to the victim, and comply with legal and agency requirements. Redacting details helps share necessary information for the work without exposing identities. Securing records—physical files in locked cabinets and encrypted digital systems—prevents unauthorized access. Only speaking with those who have a legitimate need-to-know preserves trust and reduces the risk of leaks. In contrast, sharing with all colleagues would expose sensitive data to people who don’t need it, posting records publicly would violate privacy and could jeopardize safety or investigations, and keeping records unsecured creates opportunities for loss, theft, or misuse and violates professional standards.