Privacy and Confidentiality

C

Confidentiality

Confidentiality refers to the ethical and legal obligation to protect private information shared between a person and their healthcare provider, counselor, or other professional, ensuring that sensitive details about sexual health, relationships, or personal matters remain private unless there is explicit permission to share them or a legal requirement to report.

D

Doctor-Patient Confidentiality

Doctor-patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures the privacy and protection of sensitive information shared between a patient and their healthcare provider. In the context of sexual health, this principle is particularly crucial as it allows patients to discuss intimate details, concerns, and symptoms without fear of judgment or disclosure to third parties.

H

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. In the context of sexual health, HIPAA plays a crucial role in ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of individuals' sexual health records, test results, and related medical information.

N

Nonconsensual Voyeurism

Nonconsensual voyeurism is the act of observing or recording an individual in a private setting without their knowledge or consent, typically for sexual gratification. This behavior violates a person's right to privacy and is considered a form of sexual offense in many jurisdictions. It often involves secretly watching or recording someone who is naked, undressing, or engaged in sexual activities.

R

Revenge Porn

Revenge porn refers to the act of sharing or distributing sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent, typically after the end of a relationship. This non-consensual sharing is often done with the intent to humiliate, blackmail, or cause distress to the victim. Despite its name, revenge is not always the motive; it can also be used for extortion, harassment, or other malicious purposes.

S

Sexting Laws

Sexting laws refer to legislation and regulations governing the practice of sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital devices, typically via mobile phones or the internet. These laws aim to address issues related to consent, privacy, and the protection of minors in the context of digital sexual communication.

Spousal Privilege

Spousal privilege is a legal concept that protects the confidentiality of communications between married partners. It allows a person to refuse to testify against their spouse in certain legal proceedings, and prevents courts from compelling one spouse to disclose confidential communications made during the marriage. While not directly related to sexual activity, this privilege can have implications for sexual privacy within a marriage.