A Monaghan councillor is calling on the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, to take immediate action to prohibit the use of counselling and therapy notes in all cases of gender-based violence. According to Cllr Sinead Flynn, too often, survivors of gender-based violence are retraumatised not just by the crime itself, but by the justice process that follows. One of the most distressing developments in recent years has been the increasing use of private counselling and therapy notes in court proceedings. Cllr Flynn believes this sends a chilling message - that if you seek help, if you try to heal, your most private disclosures could be used against you in a courtroom.
At this week's sitting of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Flynn proposed that the local authority writes directly to the Minister for Justice and to the Office of An Taoiseach, urging immediate legislative reform to prohibit the use of counselling and therapy notes in cases of gender-based violence. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Flynn said; "This is a deeply invasive and harmful practice that undermines a survivor's right to privacy, dignity, and safety. Therapy and counselling are essential to recovery. Survivors must be able to access these supports without fear - without fear that their vulnerability will be exploited in the legal process. By supporting this resolution, Monaghan County Council stands in solidarity with survivors. We stand for a trauma-informed, fair and respectful justice system - one that prioritises protection, healing, and accountability."
