I was interviewed for this piece by Chrissie Russell, a journalist who is interested in the assumptions made around gender, in particular, the assumption that women will want to, and will go on to have children. It was an interesting one to do, and I'll make the full text of my answers to her available in the future. For now - here's the version that was printed in the Irish Independent:

This letter came as a response to the Examiner who, not for the first time in my experience, appear to be confused as to which cause they are championing: The promotion and protection of women's rights, or the war on womens' self esteem via media driven unrealistic body image and portrayal. As a psychotherapist I witness daily the results of poor body image and low self esteem : self loathing, disordered eating, depressed feelings, social withdrawal. Not unlike the 'symptoms' presented by the sex industry workers with whom I have had contact. 

The lenience with which sexual predators and rapists are treated by irish judges always astounds me. The most recent was this week, in July 2012, where a six year sentence was handed down with five and a half years inexplicably suspended by Judge Hogan. I find this offensive , and I know that this system of 'justice' is precisely what has, and what will continue to deter women from reporting crimes against them.

This was published in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner and is my response to a discussion I heard on Today FM about a 'glamour model'. This interview coincided with newly published figures on sexual assault in Ireland and I address the probable link between the glamour culture and objectification of women.