A Bretayed Wife writes about Downlow effect

Senator Falconer, my heroine

The Editor, Sir:

I am disappointed by the tone of the letter in Monday's Gleaner by Ricardo Smalling, who criticised the presentation by senators Sandrea Falconer and Hyacinth Bennett on the sexual offences bill.

I don't agree with Senator Bennett as I cannot support discrimination because of one's sexual preference. However, as a victim of the cruel deception Senator Falconer spoke of, I support her call for men who are on the 'down low' to be eligible for prosecution. There was nothing in her presentation that amounted to discrimination and to characterise her remarks as such is a gross misrepresentation.

I was forced to write this letter so Smalling can understand and develop a little sensitivity towards the plight of a woman whose husband engages in sexual activity with another man, then comes home to his wife and have sex with her.

I was one of those women. I found out about my husband's infidelity with another man when I developed a condition that eventually required a hysterectomy.

Very grateful

Senator Falconer spoke on my behalf and I was very grateful.

Smalling poured scorn on how cases would be investigated, but in many instances women do have enough evidence but no legal recourse. My husband put my life at risk. He destroyed not only me but our children. The letter writer showed a lack of understanding and sensitivity. This is not just about men who cheat but a man who sells himself as being of one sexual persuasion and on that basis enters into a relationship with a woman who would have had nothing to do with him had she known his true proclivity. The same should go for women who cheat on their men with other women.

I am happy that the senator brought it up, and perhaps if there was such a law fewer men and women would lie about their sexual proclivities.

For women like me, she is a heroine.

I am, etc.,

BETRAYED WIFE