Crisis Lines, Telephone Technology, and Confidentiality (IN: Suicide in Canada, edited by A A Leenaars, S Wenckstern, I Sakinofsky, R J Dyck, M J Kral & R C Bland)

The relationship between crisis lines, telephone technology & confidentiality is examined. The emergence of crisis lines as a response to dissatisfaction with existing services is described, & the development of crisis lines in Canada is outlined. The concept of confidentiality, as used by crisis lines, & its legal interpretation is discussed. The authors argue that crisis lines must examine how they operate & if they still meet or are relevant to the needs & expectations of their users.