Therapy for Sexual Abuse Victims Can Prevent Justice

Topic is Mental Health.

It is Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 8:58 am.

Tess Hassell says her alleged sexual abuse investigation was stopped due to her EMDR therapy.

In short:

A woman who reported alleged sexual abuse says the investigation was stopped because she had EMDR therapy.

EMDR therapy involves recalling a traumatic memory while doing another task.

Queensland guidelines say EMDR is like hypnosis and has strict rules.

Tess Hassell found reporting the abuse empowering.

She said it felt like taking power over her life.

But the investigation was stopped less than six months later.

EMDR therapy helps reduce distress by recalling traumatic memories.

It is done by trained professionals and is recommended for PTSD.

Ms Hassell says reporting the abuse felt like taking power.

The ABC spoke with victim-survivors who had problems with EMDR and seeking justice.

Do you know more?

If you have information, contact Emily Baker.

Evidence from after EMDR is not allowed in court.

The detective said the investigation was stopped due to EMDR guidelines.

The guidelines say EMDR is like hypnosis and has rules.

Any evidence now is not allowed because it was obtained after EMDR.

Michael Baldwin tried many therapists before finding EMDR helpful.

Ms Hassell found the decision to stop the investigation confusing.

She said she had evidence outside of EMDR and processed memories.

A Queensland Police spokesman said they do not comment on individual cases.

All complaints are reviewed for available evidence and guidelines.

Ms Hassell had made a detailed statement to the police.

The Queensland DPP declined to comment on Ms Hassell's case.

The guidelines refer to EMDR as hypnosis and have strict conditions.

People are waiting to receive EMDR.

Ms Hassell is speaking out after Katie Bird's story was shared.

Katie Bird used EMDR for memories of alleged sexual abuse.

People contacted the ABC saying they waited for EMDR due to legal concerns.

A scholar said the legal system's approach to EMDR is outdated.

The NHMRC endorses EMDR for PTSD.

Prosecution offices should revisit their policy on EMDR.

Dr Rudge says a lot has changed since the 1995 case on EMDR.

Life is on hold.

A Tasmanian woman has been waiting to appear in court.

She was told EMDR was discouraged before giving evidence.

The woman feels her life is on hold while waiting for EMDR.

She has tried other therapies and wants EMDR.

Investigative journalism from around Australia:

Topic is Sexual Offences.

Topic is Crime.

Topic is State and Territory Government.

Topic is Child Abuse.

The woman requested to pre-record her evidence.

A spokeswoman said the office cannot comment on individual cases.

The Director of Public Prosecutions cannot prevent EMDR therapy.

The effect on legal proceedings will be assessed in individual cases.

EMDR provided immediate relief for Ms Hassell.

She believes the judicial system needs to change its approach to EMDR.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy, but she was denied justice.

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It is Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 8:58 am.

It is Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 9:46 am.

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