This story has all the hallmarks of a great scandal; the cop, the prostitute, the courtroom. Sex, power, public office, corruption. Yet the vilification of the individuals involved, particularly of the police officer and less so the prostitute sits uncomfortably with me.  There is a striking similarity with this story and the old Biblical story of the woman caught in adultery.

Some may argue that the publication and shaming of the individuals here has a public interest incentive to stop such acts of corruption.  While there may be some truth in this, I cannot help but think the telling of this story is more about pointing the finger towards the ‘bad’ and ‘shameful’ individuals and away from ourselves. It denies the truth that the abuse of power often channelled sexually is endemic in our society even in the so called ‘ clean, green paradise ‘ of New Zealand.  And while it effects all, it cannot be denied it is also a deeply gendered story.  The female character, vulnerable at the outset made more vulnerable.  And how?  By the use of sex.  An old, old story

I am left then with a question.  How to respond?  And I am not sure I know.  The issues here are many and complex and at times competing.  I do know that shame and shaming never brings life – not for the giver or the receiver.  I wonder what Compassion would say?  Or Mercy?  or Truth?  I wonder what the ‘woman caught in adultery’ would say, had she been the lead reporter of this story? Certainly, that I will never know, but it does make me think.

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