The statistics for sexual assault are staggering. There are a number of studies with estimates as high as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be assaulted in their lifetime. For women of color, the number is a soul-shocking 3 in 5. That means most black women will be raped or otherwise sexually abused in their lifetime. And, possibly most disturbing of all, 97% of rapists will never spend a night in prison.
There is no other word for this crisis but "epidemic." We ask that the President (perhaps in conjunction with Congress) consult with researchers, advocacy groups, and others to determine what cultural, socio-economic, or other factors underly this tragic and pervasive crime. Then, we must make the policy changes to address those factors, and create an appropriate outreach campaign.