I appreciate the efforts to respond, despite it being uncomfortable to do so.
As one of the only females on here I felt compelled to relate something personal and make this thread less speculative and academic - given that this is what this so called "moment" is about (aside: it's not a "moment", women are not having a collective strop that will pass).
On the point of the effects of assault or abuse, on being scarred or broken - I am not any of those things- I am blessed with a mind that grew very strong.
I'm lucky to have "only" been assaulted.
I see it that being systematically groped in the genitals in public is less harrowing and traumatic than being raped or forced into performing a sexual act.
When people talk about a sliding scale consider that the acts that are being classified all involve the infliction of physical or emotional pain, most times both, these acts then provoke feelings of fear, hurt, humiliation, shame, doubt, revulsion and loathing in the person on the receiving end.
Then consider that an overwhelming number of women that you know will have been that person.
