2.1.2 Personally-Identifying Information

Advocates must understand how and why to maintain records and communications that do not include personally-identifying information that could be used to identify the survivor.

Personally-identifying information is any information that could be used to identify an individual, including information that could be used to determine a survivor’s location.

Even if this information is encrypted or otherwise protected, it’s still considered personally-identifying information.

This can include, but is not limited to, the survivor’s:

  1. First and last names;

  2. Any personal information that would help to identify an individual, including their date of birth, race or ethnicity, religion or physical characteristics;

  3. Home, school, work or any other physical address;

  4. Contact information, including email address, postal address, internet protocol address or telephone number;

  5. Government ID numbers, including passport, driver’s license or social security card; and

  6. Any other identification number, including student or work identification numbers.

What qualifies as personally-identifying information depends on the circumstances.

For example, in a small community, information such as how many children the survivor has or what race or ethnicity they are could be enough to identify them.