Even when rebuffed, these men must have taken perverse satisfaction in humiliating the women who had to watch them expose themselves. What could be a more graphic demonstration of their power than women having to endure their displays with no real recourse?

The model only worked because women felt they couldn’t complain without potentially destroying their careers or reputations to no effect, since nothing would ever happen to predators cosseted by enough power, riches, and influential friends.

This is what has changed so quickly over the last two months. An accuser no longer has to worry about not getting a hearing or suffering consequences for coming forward. The best journalistic outlets in the country are seeking them out and trying to confirm their stories.