AR HB1380

Adds new section 9-6-112 to Arkansas Code establishing a legal privilege protecting communications between domestic violence victims and advocates at authorized shelters or centers.

Communications between victims and advocates are confidential and cannot be disclosed without the victim's consent, and neither party can be compelled to disclose communication contents.

Privilege applies only when communications occur while victim is seeking advocacy, help, refuge, treatment, housing, support, therapy, legal advice, counseling, medical advice, or other assistance related to the domestic violence.

Privilege may be claimed by the victim, their attorney, parent/guardian (if under 18), or the advocate on behalf of the victim, and can be waived if the advocate was a witness to the incident, if disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm or public danger, or if the victim voluntarily discloses information.

Court may compel disclosure after an in-camera hearing only when the probative value of evidence outweighs the impact on the victim, treatment relationship, and services provided by the shelter or center.