Protecting your privacy is a vital concern after a sexual assault. Some basic information is included here regarding MA privacy laws. Please consult your local rape crisis center or an attorney for specific answers to your personal concerns. These types of conversations are protected by a legal 'privilege' which protects the content of the conversations from public disclosure, unless under court order. There are some legal protections for your privacy.
All police reports related to sexual violence are strictly confidential.
For rape and attempted rape, MA law prohibits public disclosure of a survivor's name . The survivor's name is to be blacked out in all police reports and court records and is not technically part of the public record. For rape and attempted rape, a survivor may request that additional personal information be kept out of the public record . Such information might include the residential address, telephone number, place of employment, or school of the survivor. This request to the court should be made at the earliest possible time, prior to the arraignment of the defendant.