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Ireland’s new rape trial law forces survivors to attend disclosure hearings, sparking backlash over trauma and privacy concerns.
Ireland’s proposed law change requiring a disclosure hearing before counselling notes can be used in rape trials is drawing criticism from survivors and mental health professionals, who call it insufficient and retraumatizing.
The amendment to the 2025 bill removes the option for complainants to waive hearings, forcing survivors into a potentially traumatic process.
Survivors like Paula Doyle say handing over notes under pressure led to severe emotional harm, including self-harm.
Advocates argue the change undermines autonomy and privacy, with some citing Canada’s experience where similar rules increased defence requests.
While Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan acknowledges the current system is flawed and a full ban is constitutionally unworkable, he plans to expand protections by making non-disclosure the default for sensitive records like medical and child protection files.
La nueva ley de juicio por violación de Irlanda obliga a las sobrevivientes a asistir a audiencias de divulgación, lo que provocó una reacción violenta por el trauma y las preocupaciones de privacidad.