TD's Block The Ban of Using Therapy Notes Against Abuse Victims

Beansprout
Jun 21
2 min read

Louth TD's McGreehan and Butterly face further controversy

Two Louth TD’s – Paula Butterly and Erin McGreehan – Have been called out by several groups advocating for the rights of abuse survivors, including Therapists Against Harm. The national group, consisting of counsellors, was formed in light of Ireland’s current legal system which can force professionals to hand over the counselling notes from sexual abuse survivors. They say it not only puts their livelihood in a compromising position, it re-traumatises victims and places them under the spotlight instead of those accused of such crimes. In the long run this can have disastrous affects, and oftens means that survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence are afraid to seek help, or even report cases.

Ruth Coppinger, TD for the Dublin West constituency and member of the Socialist Party, brought forward a bill to the Dáil to finally ban such practices in courtrooms. Unfortunately earlier this month the bill was blocked.

Therapists speak out, before the block - Facebook

Therapists Against Harm have vowed to not let the matter end here, and plan to fight for all survivors who wish to have their day in court –

“[we] are more motivated now!

We will not stop campaigning and making

noise until change happens”.

They also strongly encourage those who are against the practice to contact their local TD’s who voted to block this ban and let them know how they feel (details below).

This controversy for the Louth pair comes not long after local groups have accused them of being pro-genocide, when it was noted early on that they have been blocking all progress to hold Israel accountable for their war crimes.