Cuming responds

I read with interest – and revulsion – Richard Swainson’s opinion piece (December 2) about me: ‘‘All joking aside – a cautionary tale for our time’’.

Columns like this are the reason why women don’t come forward with complaints about sexual harassment.

No one – regardless of their profession – should be subjected to any form of harassment, including demeaning and belittling jokes.

I am first and foremost the proud mother to three boys and this whole episode has caused terrible stress and grief and heartache in my family, which has now been compounded by such a thoughtless and offensive column published by my former employer. Being a journalist should not – does not – make me immune to sexual harassment and it is offensive to suggest otherwise.

I did not make public what Cr Bunting did to me for contrived moral outrage, or for publicity. I spoke up because men need to be held accountable for their actions when they harass women.

Despite serious misgivings I agreed to be interviewed by media outlets (including the Waikato Times) to give a voice to the countless women out there who every day are subjected to similar types of harassment. I did so hoping it would encourage more women to find the strength to speak out.

Perhaps next time Richard Swainson decides to dedicate an entire column to my so-called crocodile tears you may wish to ask him to at least pick up the phone and talk to me before he forms an ‘‘opinion’’ on me.

Angela Cuming

Hamilton