Two Victorian mental health patients have taken their fight against compulsory electro-shock therapy to the Supreme Court. A man named as “PBU” has received six electroconvulsive therapy sessions against his will while hospitalised for mental health issues in Melbourne, and is fighting an order for more, Victoria Legal Aid says. A woman, “NJE”, who is receiving treatment has also been ordered to undergo 12 sessions against her will. “Each of my clients understands this procedure and is terrified of it,” barrister Emrys Nekvapil told the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday. The case focuses on whether a person has the capacity to give informed consent and how treatment options should be considered.
