The Crime Victim Services Division (CVSD) of the Office of the Attorney General provides pseudonym forms for victims of sexual assault, stalking, family violence, and human trafficking.
The forms direct law enforcement to remove the victim’s name from public files and records concerning the crime. This includes police reports, press releases and records of judicial proceedings. A pseudonym is used instead of the victim’s actual name.
The pseudonym is only used in records concerning the crime. It is not used in public files or other records not related to the crime.
All completed pseudonym forms should be returned to the law enforcement agency investigating the crime, not CVSD.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Victim
It is the victim’s responsibility to complete and submit the form to the law enforcement agency investigating the crime.
The victim should:
1. Complete all information except the “To Be Completed by Law Enforcement Officer” section.
2. Select what organizations can receive the victim’s real information in the “Release of Information” section.
3. Return the completed form to the law enforcement agency investigating the crime.
Roles and Responsibilities of Law Enforcement
It is law enforcement’s responsibility to notify victims that they have the right to use pseudonyms and ensure the request is completed.
Law enforcement should:
1. Explain the purpose of the pseudonym form.
2. Inform the victim that the pseudonym will replace the victim’s name only in public files and records concerning the crime.
3. Assist the victim in filling out the form.
Upon receipt of the form the law enforcement agency shall:
1. Replace the victim’s name with the pseudonym in all reports, files and records in the agency’s possession.
2. Notify the attorney for the state that the victim has elected to be designated by the pseudonym.
3. Maintain the form in a manner that protects its confidentiality.