Privacy Policy for CT Safe Connect Website
Thank you for visiting the Safe Connect website (“Site”), a project of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence ("CCADV"). This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) is designed to assist you in understanding how CCADV collects, uses and safeguards the personal information that you provide to us when using this Site. By entering the Safe Connect website, you consent to CCADV’s use of your information as described in this Policy.
Information collected:
When you visit this Site, you may provide CCADV with two types of information: (1) anonymous user information that is automatically collected as you and others browse this Site and (2) personal information that you knowingly choose to disclose to CCADV that is collected on an individual basis.
Automatically collected and stored information:
A unique number called an Internet Protocol (“IP”) address is assigned to your computer every time you connect to the internet. CCADV’s web server automatically collects and temporarily stores the IP addresses of all users of this Site. CCADV uses IP address information to log site traffic in order to identify ways of making this Site more useful to visitors. This information is collected on an aggregate basis and the data collected does not include any personally-identifying information about you as an individual. (See section on Cookies below for more information).
Personally provided information:
CCADV will only collect personal information from you through this Site if you voluntarily provide us with such information. Included below is a description of the different purposes for which you may choose to submit personal information to CCADV and how this information will be used and/or protected by CCADV. Information voluntarily given to CCADV will be used solely for the purposes expressed herein.
Personally-identifying information collected through live chat or email: The Site utilizes live chat services provided by 8x8 as a software as a service (SaaS) provider. Chat users are given the option to enter their name and other personal information to facilitate service with an advocacy coordinator, although such information is not required. IP addresses are also required to facilitate a connection. Email service is provided by Microsoft and routed through the 8x8 service queue. Information collected from a user on a voluntary basis can include:
- Name
- Gender
- Age
- City
- State
- Zip
- How user heard about the service
CCADV collects limited demographic and geo-locational information in order to provide services. CCADV defines anonymous communication as a onetime individual contact where digital services are provided between a chatter and advocacy coordinator in which no information is collected that can connect the user to the individual service interaction. Dialogue transcripts of chats are purged regularly. Any information that is temporarily maintained is core to our evaluation of services provided to persons contacting Safe Connect. Identifying information is in no way cross-verified.
A chat user’s information, including any personally identifiable information, will only be shared with persons implicitly linked to Safe Connect’s operations, including the CCADV member organization(s) to whom a chatter may be referred. We do not sell, trade or rent personal information that chat users provide. All Safe Connect Advocacy Coordinators, advocates, and volunteers at CCADV and CCADV’s member organizations are certified domestic violence advocates bound by client confidentiality policies. All information shared with certified domestic violence advocates in Connecticut is protected as privileged communication under Connecticut General Statutes 52-146k with limited exceptions (see “exceptions to confidentiality of personal information” below). After any chat or email session, persons contacting Safe Connect may be asked to fill out an exit survey in order to provide valuable feedback about our service. Providing information in an exit survey is completely voluntary. Surveys may ask for contact information (e.g., email address) and for demographic information (e.g., zip code, age or income level).
Exceptions to confidentiality of personal information:
Safe Connect Advocacy Coordinators are mandated reporters in the State of Connecticut. If you share that a child or person with a disability is being abused or neglected, or that you might hurt yourself or someone else, they are required to report this to protective or emergency services. In the event this is necessary, advocacy coordinators will work with you to ensure you have the continued support you need.
Software as a Service and Application Service Providers (3rd party):
CCADV will undertake an annual review of any third-party privacy policies affecting Safe Connect services. CCADV is not responsible for changes or updates made in the interim.
Disclosure of information to third parties:
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence will not sell, transfer or exchange your personal information to/with any third party unless (1) CCADV is required by law to disclose the information, or (2) disclosure is necessary to enforce CCADV's rights against unauthorized access or attempted unauthorized access to CCADV’s information technology assets or against other inappropriate uses of this Site.
Cookies:
Cookies are simple text files stored on a user’s web browser to provide a means of distinguishing the user from other users of a website. CCADV collects some data through the use of cookies in order to facilitate your use of this Site. Cookies are used to track your activity when you log into the Member Log In portions of this Site. You can choose whether to accept cookies by changing the setting of your browser. You can also reset your browser to refuse all cookies or allow your browser to show you when a cookie is being sent.
Links to third party websites:
This Privacy Policy only applies to your use of this Site. If you use a link to go from this Site to another website, this Policy is no longer in effect. CCADV is not responsible for the content of third party websites or their privacy practices. Please examine the privacy policy of any other website that you access by using this Site.
Amendments:
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence may occasionally update this Privacy Policy. Changes to this policy will be posted on this Site and will become effective immediately upon posting, so please be sure to review this Policy periodically. Any personal information that you submit to CCADV after a change has been posted will be subject to the new privacy provisions.
Contact us:
If you have questions about this Policy or are concerned about our use of your personal information, please contact us at [email protected].