Dear Editor,
It has been most instructive to read and learn from the various perspectives published on the recent allegations of high-profile, spousal ‘hi-tech’ abuse.
Some have argued the need for proof; others that the matter was too private for public debate − even in the face of a proudly flaunted act intended to address such private interactions, moreso regardless of background, status, etc, etc.
This letter is really concerned with the reaction shown on TV of certain women parliamentarians, when asked to comment on this published incident. While two of the ministers attempted to (in)articulate their respective positions, the body language of the other honourable members was perhaps more eloquent.
One couldn’t help wondering what women viewers (abused and non-abused) felt at the time… seeing their superior models cowering, non-committal on an issue, over which all the help, support and encouragement needed should be available. When these hapless viewers would have reflected on the graphic display of abandonment of their cause by our female leadership, they must have pondered on the superficiality of purpose, shallowness of content and the credibility of intent with which legislation was forged to champion their respective cases, however imagined in their agony, and suspect in the facts.
In the tunnel of their despair the only glimmer which might have comforted them was that those honourable and normally self-assured professionals suddenly found themselves vulnerable, and forced to ask themselves the honest question as to whether or not their own behaviour reflexed to a sensitivity, this time experienced in their work relationships. As a result they could hardly risk sparing sympathy on any of their ‘own.’
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
