For sexual offence complainants, testifying is an intrusive process where they must
discuss sensitive and distressing information about themselves and the incident which has occurred.
Traditionally, one of the primary concerns for these complainants was that evidence of their previous
sexual experiences would be introduced. The use of such evidence has been curtailed somewhat by
rape shield provisions like ss.41 – 43 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 . However,
a residual concern for sexual offence complainants is disclosure of personal records such as
therapeutic or social work records at trial. Despite increasing applications for access to such material,
there is no specific law to regulate such access in England and Wales. Applications are dealt with in
an ad hoc manner according to the general rules on disclosure in criminal trials. This article considers
the current approach to disclosure of sexual offence complainants’ personal records. Principled
concerns about the admission of this information in trials are highlighted and proposals for increased
regulation of the use of personal records are put forward, using Canadian law as a potential blueprint
for reform.