District Of Columbia § 14-310(Perm) - Domestic violence counselors.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 14-310(Perm) — Domestic violence counselors., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-310(Perm). Domestic violence counselors.
14-310(Perm)*NOTE: This codification is the most current. To see the current law, click this link *
For the purposes of this section, the term:
“Confidential communication” means information exchanged between a victim and a domestic violence counselor during the course of the counselor providing counseling, support, and assistance to a victim, including all records kept by the counselor and the domestic violence program concerning the victim and services provided to the victim.
“Domestic violence counselor” means an employee, contractor, or volunteer of a domestic violence program who:
Is rendering support, counseling, or assistance to a victim;
Has undergone not less than 40 hours of domestic violence counselor training conducted by a domestic violence program that includes dynamics of domestic violence, trauma resulting from domestic violence, crisis intervention, personal safety, risk management, criminal and civil court processes, and resources available to victims; and
Is or is under the supervision of a licensed social worker, nurse, physician, psychologist, or psychotherapist; or
Is or is under the supervision of a person who has a minimum of 5 years of experience rendering support, counseling, or assistance to persons against whom severe emotional abuse or a criminal offense has been committed or is alleged to have been committed, of which at least 2 years of experience involves victims.
“Domestic violence program” means a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that supports, counsels, and assists victims, including domestic violence hotlines, domestic violence shelters, and domestic violence intake centers.
“Intrafamily offense” shall have the same meaning as provided in .
“Victim” means a person against whom severe emotional abuse or an intrafamily offense has been committed or is alleged to have been committed.
A domestic violence counselor shall not disclose a confidential communication except:
As required by statute or by a court of law;
As voluntarily authorized in writing by the victim;
To other individuals employed at the domestic violence program and third party providers when and to the extent necessary to facilitate the delivery of services to the victim;
To the Metropolitan Police Department or other law enforcement agency to the extent necessary to protect the victim or another individual from a substantial risk of imminent and serious physical injury;
To compile statistical or anecdotal information, without personal identifying information, for research or public information purposes; or
For any confidential communications relevant to a claim or defense if the victim files a lawsuit against a domestic violence counselor or a domestic violence program.
Unless the disclosure is public, confidential communications disclosed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be further disclosed by the recipient except as authorized in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Confidential communications are not waived by the presence of a sign language or foreign language interpreter. Such an interpreter is subject to the same disclosure limitations set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection and the same privilege set forth in subsection (c) of this section.
Notwithstanding any other law, domestic violence counselors shall report to the Metropolitan Police Department or the Child and Family Services Agency any crime disclosed in a confidential communication if the domestic violence counselor has actual knowledge that the crime disclosed to the domestic violence counselor involves:
A victim under the age of 13;
A perpetrator or alleged perpetrator with whom the victim has a significant relationship, as that term is defined in ; or
A perpetrator or alleged perpetrator who is more than 4 years older than the victim.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, when a victim is under 13 years of age, has been adjudicated incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of asserting or waiving the privilege established by this section, or is deceased, the victim’s parent, guardian, or personal representative may assert or waive the privilege.
If the parent, guardian, or personal representative of a victim described in paragraph (1) of this subsection has been charged with an intrafamily offense or has had a protection order or a neglect petition entered against him or her at the request of or on behalf of the victim, or otherwise has interests adverse to those of the victim with respect to the assertion or waiver of the privilege, the court shall appoint an attorney for purposes of asserting or waiving the privilege.
The assertion of any privilege under this section is not admissible in evidence.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 14-310(Perm)
What does D.C. Code § 14-310(Perm) cover?
Section 14-310(Perm) ("Domestic violence counselors.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 14-310(Perm)?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 14-310(Perm)" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 14-310(Perm) apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.