Survivor-Led Advocacy
At Beyond Surviving, we believe survivors’ voices and lived experience, in all their diversity, should shape the policies, laws and systems that affect their lives.
As a survivor-led charity, our role is not to speak for survivors. We don’t assume what they need, want or believe. Instead, we create opportunities for survivors to meaningfully participate in advocacy, and make sure it’s amplified and represented in policy, practice and public debate.
Here’s How We Work
1. We Ask
We gather a diverse range of survivor voices, views, and perspectives from across our community.
2. We Listen
We analyse survivor feedback to identify consensus, complexity and differing perspectives.
3. We Develop
We develop a survivor-informed advocacy position grounded in our communities’ lived realities.
4. We Amplify
We bring those insights directly to policymakers, stakeholders and the wider public to help shape change.
Our Advocacy in Action
Explore our advocacy reports, surveys, submissions, public engagement, and policy work below.
Reform of Disclosure Law Relating to Counselling Records
Survivor Consultation Insight Report & Beyond Surviving’s Advocacy Position Re Reform of Disclosure Law Relating to Counselling Records in Sexual Offence Trials
10 June 2026
On 10 June 2026, Beyond Surviving published our Survivor Consultation Insight Report & Advocacy Position Re Reform of Disclosure Law Relating to Counselling Records in Sexual Offence Trials.
The report presents the findings from our recent survivor member consultation.
Key findings include:
🔸 52 survivors took part in the consultation between 6 June and 9 June 2026.
🔸 59.62% of respondents provided qualitative comments or recommendations.
🔸 78.57% of respondents do not support the Bill as currently drafted.
🔸 85.37% believe the proposed amendments and recommendations do not go far enough to protect survivors within the boundaries of what is legally permissible.
🔸 75% believe the issue required further consideration and thought.
Your Voice Matters: Understanding the Proposed Legal Changes regarding Counselling Records
Accessible infographic & supporting informed survivor participation in legal reform
June 2026
On 06 June 2026, as proposed amendments to disclosure law progress through the Oireachtas, Beyond Surviving launched an accessible information resource to help survivors feel better informed on the current law, the proposed changes, and the concerns being raised by survivor advocates and support organisations. Alongside the resource, we launched a short 3-question survey inviting survivors to share their views on the proposed reforms. This work reflects our commitment to ensuring survivors have access to clear, accessible information and meaningful opportunities to shape the policies, laws and systems that affect their lives.
The disclosure and use of counselling records in sexual offence trials
Survey Insights from Survivors on Reform of Disclosure Law
February 2026
On 19 February 2026, Beyond Surviving launched a national survey to better understand survivors’ experiences and perspectives regarding the disclosure and use of counselling records in sexual offence trials. More than 300 survivors participated in just one week where the findings highlighted both the significant harms caused by current practices and the diversity of survivor perspectives, demonstrating that there is no singular survivor view. Beyond Surviving shared the findings with the Department of Justice, engaged with policymakers and stakeholders, and contributed to the national conversation on reform of disclosure law.
Media coverage: Irish Examiner, February 24, 2026; Newstalk – Lunchtime Live, February 26, 2026