16.  Confidentiality. (a)  Nature of privilege.-- (1)  Unless a victim of sexual violence who consults a sexual assault counselor for the

§ 62A16.  Confidentiality. (a)  Nature of privilege.-- (1)  Unless a victim of sexual violence who consults a sexual assault counselor for the purpose of securing advice, counseling or assistance waives the privilege in a signed writing prior to testimony or disclosure, a sexual assault counselor or a coparticipant who is present during sexual assault counseling or advocacy shall not be competent nor permitted to testify, release the records of or to otherwise disclose confidential communications made to or by the counselor by or to the victim. The privilege shall terminate upon the death of the victim. (2)  Neither the sexual assault counselor nor the victim shall waive the privilege of confidential communications by reporting facts of physical or sexual violence under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to child protective services), a Federal or State mandatory reporting statute or a local mandatory reporting ordinance. (b)  Scope.-- The provisions of this section applicable to the victim of sexual violence shall also apply to a person who seeks advice, counseling or assistance from a sexual assault counselor regarding the victim.