top of the food chain...

When stories like this pop up, I sit there dumbfounded. While millions of people ponder whether or not what he said was appropriate and whether or not he's a jerk and whether or not the allegations are true, I am INCREDULOUS that IT EVER HAPPENS ANYWHERE. EVER. I am reminded that the human race can be as FOUL and undeserving as can be imagined. Our culture is disturbingly accepting of sexual violence and coercion. Just a reminder of how ridiculous the problem is when it comes to sexual assault:

National Statistics:

1,871 adult women are raped every day.
Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. Kilpatrick, Edmunds, and Seymour; National Victim Center, 1992.

78% of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows: an acquaintance; a spouse or intimate partner; or other relative. 22% of perpetrators are strangers to the victim.
Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. Kilpatrick, Edmunds, and Seymour; National Victim Center, 1992.

It is estimated that only 16% of rape offenses are ever reported to law enforcement and 98% of rape victims never see their attacker arrested, tried, or imprisoned.
The Response to Rape: Detours on the Road to Equal Justice. Senate Judiciary Committee, May 1993.

A convicted rapist is 50% more likely to receive probation (not go to jail) than a convicted robber. 50% of all convicted rapists serve an average of a year or less behind bars.
The Response to Rape: Detours on the Road to Equal Justice. Senate Judiciary Committee, May 1993.

Even if the statistics are way off, they would still be unbelievable. It's almost statistically impossible to NOT know someone who has been assaulted. I am reminded of the statistics everytime I am in a public place alone; especially after dark--every woman is.