Victim-survivors of domestic violence might now be able to use secret recordings of admissions of abuse to seek safety after a major High Court decision. He had argued a recording of him admitting to the first rape was obtained illegally. The High Court dismissed the husband's appeal over evidence used to convict him. "The decision is important as it explicitly recognises that a lawful interest includes a right of bodily autonomy and integrity in the context of recordings," Professor Douglas told AAP. The influence of the High Court's decision could extend beyond criminal cases, potentially allowing for similar recordings to be used in protection applications, Prof Douglas said.