February 6, 2023
Ennis slams invasive use of counselling records in sexual assault trials

Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has slammed the invasive use of victims’ counselling records in sexual assault trials.

The South Down MLA said:

“It is unacceptable that victims of sexual assault cannot access mental health support from counsellors without the worry that their words will end up being read out in a court room.

“This means that victims cannot have the full privacy when seeking support as other people accessing mental health services do.

“This is unnecessary punishment for victims, who may already be traumatised by the system, and who are already extremely vulnerable.

“This is likely to affect people’s confidence in coming forward to report crimes, or in seeking professional help.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I am determined to build a brighter future for all our young people, where they have the support and opportunities to achieve whatever they set their minds to.

I was privileged to speak to a room full of kind and articulate young people who have been involved in mentoring and…

Kingsmill families are entitled to truth – @GerryKellyMLA http://vote.sinnfein.ie/kingsmill-families-are-entitled-to-truth-kelly/

Number of patients waiting on an appointment date grew by 7,000 in March - @davidcullinane

"Stephen Donnelly can publish as many plans as he wants, but without adequate funding to increase capacity they are just meaningless words on paper."

Sinn Féin welcome scrapping of disability Green Paper – @PaulineTullyTD and @Donnchadhol

"The government's Tory-like proposals were never a runner."

Load More