I have been through the system myself more than once. I am well aware of the unpleasantness of it all. During one case a 'rape relief' volunteer urged me to be strong in order to help protect others who may not be as strong as me. I felt that responsibility and took it.
In Canada (where I was facing three men in a second case) a Mountie sat with me in court and walked with me to and from the bathroom or off site until I was safely away. It can be harrowing, but the worst part was the wives and girlfriends who were relentless in their attacks. I had been prepared for the defense, but their behavior was right out of a horror movie.
There was no doubt about what happened--no he said/she said. I had been photographed from head to toe, been swabbed, and the place where I was raped was full of broken furniture and lamps. Neighbors heard me screaming. Still, the defense suggested I was no angel and was known to of had sexual relations in my history.
That said, we would be naive if we said women don't lie. There are many reasons why they might. Also, the social perception that women are frail fails when you compare it to what women actually do and shoulder day after day. The Me Too movement shone a bright light for women to step out into. All kinds of advocates, lawyers, therapists, and others made themselves known and can be reached through a moment of our time. Support that others did not once have (like me) is there for legitimate accusers now. It is still hard and unwanted, but for real survivors the abuse, breach of trust, and violence that often is a huge part--it never leaves. Our inside and outside lives "get blown up" no matter.
Also, the investigations you alluded to are one and recent as the result of this. All his professional life as been pretty unblemished. You can bet Eric Swalwell is co-operating. I hope the accusers do as well.
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