PRIVACY & DATA USE STATEMENT

In this policy, “we”, “us”, or “our” refers to Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC).

We recognise that privacy, autonomy, and control over personal information are critical to safety—particularly for people who may be experiencing or have experienced violence. Our approach to privacy is grounded in care, minimisation of data collection, and respect for your choices.

We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.

This policy explains what information may be collected through our website, why it is collected, and how it is handled.


1. Our Approach to Privacy

  • We collect only the information necessary to provide our services or improve access to them.
  • Wherever possible, you can access our website without identifying yourself.
  • You are not required to consent to non-essential data collection to use the site.
  • We do not sell, trade, or monetise personal information.
  • We aim to be transparent about third-party platforms that may process data (e.g. fundraising tools).

2. Information We May Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Information you choose to provide

  • Contact details (e.g. name, email address, phone number)
  • Information included in enquiries, support requests, or feedback
  • Information provided when engaging with fundraising activities

You can choose how much information to share. In many cases, anonymous or limited information is sufficient.

Technical and usage data

When you visit the website, limited technical information may be collected automatically, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on the site
  • Referring website

This data is generally not used to identify individuals.


3. How Information Is Collected

Information is collected in two ways:

  • Directly from you when you submit forms, contact us, or interact with features on the site
  • Automatically through website technologies such as cookies (see Section 6)

4. Why We Collect Information

We collect information only where it supports the functioning and improvement of our services. This may include:

  • Responding to enquiries or requests for support
  • Providing information about services, events, or resources (where you have opted in)
  • Processing donations or fundraising activities (via third-party platforms such as Raisely)
  • Maintaining website functionality and security
  • Understanding how the website is used, in order to improve accessibility and content

We do not use your information for profiling, behavioural advertising beyond what you explicitly consent to, or commercial resale.


5. Fundraising and Third-Party Platforms

We use third-party platforms, including Raisely, to enable donations and fundraising.

When you engage with these services:

  • Your information may be collected and processed by those platforms
  • Their privacy policies will apply in addition to this one
  • Payment details are handled securely by those providers and are not stored by us

We recommend reviewing the relevant third-party privacy policies before providing information.


6. Cookies and Consent

Cookies are small pieces of data stored in your browser. We use them in a limited and controlled way.

Through our consent banner, you can choose which types of cookies you allow:

  • Necessary cookies (always active): required for core website functionality
  • Functional cookies: support features such as forms or embedded content
  • Analytics cookies: help us understand how the site is used
  • Performance cookies: assist with improving website performance
  • Advertising cookies: used only if enabled by you

You can:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Customise your preferences at any time

Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.


7. Disclosure of Information

We will only share personal information where necessary and appropriate. This may include:

  • With trusted service providers (e.g. website hosting, fundraising platforms)
  • Where required or authorised by law
  • Where necessary to prevent a serious threat to someone’s safety
  • With your explicit consent

We do not disclose personal information for commercial gain.


8. Safety, Anonymity, and Risk

We recognise that accessing this website may carry risks for some users.

  • You may wish to use private browsing modes or clear your browser history
  • Shared devices may retain traces of website visits
  • Electronic communication is not completely secure

We take reasonable steps to protect information, but cannot guarantee complete security in all circumstances.


9. Storage and Security

We take reasonable measures to protect personal information, including:

  • Secure servers and hosting environments
  • Encryption where appropriate
  • Restricted access to authorised personnel

We retain information only for as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or meet legal obligations.


10. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You have the right to request access to, or correction of, personal information we hold about you, subject to legal limitations.

To make a request, contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity.


11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices. The most current version will always be available on our website.


12. Contact

If you have questions, concerns, or requests relating to your privacy, you can contact us at:

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
P.O. Box 3805
Weston Creek ACT 2611