'Counselling Notes Should Never Be Used In A Rape Case' - Laois Woman

Friday, 28 June 2024 10:53

Ellen O'Malley Dunlop says Ireland should follow other jurisdictions.

A Laois woman is throwing her support behind a campaign to prevent the requesting of counselling notes in a rape case.

Rathdowney's Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, who was previously with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, says therapy should be a place where victims can understand it's not their fault.

Legislation changed in 2017, which means only a Judge can dictate if counselling notes are relevant to a case.

But, Ms O'Malley Dunlop says that's not restrictive enough:

If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please see below for helplines and support services which are available:

Contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's 24-Hour National Helpline at 1800 77 8888

It is also possible to email to counselling@rcc.ie (note that e-mails can only be answered during office hours)

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, a text service can be reached Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and a webchat service is available Mon-Fri, 10am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays). It is also open 0:00 to 3:00 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.