When intimate partners betray intimacy with sex

Even if there are no children in the relationship, or they have grown up and left home – to wilfully lie and deceive a trusting partner after years of faithful commitment, is a harsh kick in the guts. Not to mention the very real risk of passing on an incurable STI to the unsuspecting partner.

To see this very act of betrayal proliferated in an industry that is growing in its acceptance by our governing officials, is a horrifying glimpse into the moral decay of our society.

Betrayal Trauma is now a legitimately recognised form of mental harm in the world of psychology, often resulting in PTSD. Symptoms can include psychic and physical pain and anguish, hypervigilance, insecurity and paranoia, loss of safety and security, grief and sadness and chronic stress symptoms.

The harm produced by an intimate partner's betrayal is not just a couple of days of crying, which is soon forgotten. These symptoms can last for years (maybe a lifetime), affecting future relationships, ability to parent well, and even hold down a job.

Is this really what we want for our nation's spouses?

If a marriage ends, the cost to our society only increases as children are displaced and suffer their own emotional and mental wounding, and finances plummet in the effort to keep two households functioning – thereby increased demand on our welfare system.

This is an enormous price to be paid for a 'bit of fun'.

Responsible members of government who are weighing the arguments and proposals put forth by the sex industry must consider the messages they are communicating to our families and communities. Surely it is preferable to encourage and uphold an ethos of marital faithfulness in our culture, rather than to endorse the expansion of the sex industry, which will inevitably facilitate the shattering of the trusts and dreams of everyday Australians.