We’re often told to seek help if we’re struggling with trauma. But what happens when the therapy that helps you heal could also impact your chance at justice? EMDR is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but one Australian woman says undergoing the therapy later became a factor in prosecutors deciding not to proceed with her case alleging sexual abuse as an adolescent...and she’s not alone. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Katie Bird, who explains how EMDR changed her life... but also prevented her from seeking justice in a flawed system. 

In a statement to the ABC, who originally reported this story, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on individual matters but said: "Each prosecution is assessed individually in accordance with the prosecution policy of the Commonwealth." 

"Part of the assessment is the consideration of the admissibility of the evidence both at statute and common law." 

For information and support, you can contact Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT.

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