Records of sexual assault need protecting

THE NSW Government has commissioned research into better protecting counselling records of sexual assault victim-survivors during criminal proceedings. Led by University of Sydney Professor Rita Shackel, the study will examine how often counselling notes are subpoenaed, their impact on survivors and alternative protection models. The research follows concerns that accessing counselling records can retraumatise survivors or discourage them from seeking support. Findings will be reported to the Department of Communities and Justice in June 2027.