As Trump Denies Allegations, Supporters Ask, 'Why Now?' Assault Expert Explains
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Donald Trump's latest accuser Summer Zervos was on his reality show the "Apprentice" and claims she was met with an open-mouth kiss and then some, before a dinner meeting with the presidential hopeful back in 2007.
"He grabbed my shoulder and began kissing me again very aggressively and then placed his hand on my breast," Zevros said during a press conference Friday.
She is now one of at least six women who've come forward in the last week accusing trump of sexual assault years ago.
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"I think if there was any merit to it at all they would have come out long ago," Trump supporter, Leah Tripitaka said.
"Thirty years later? Why wasn't it brought up before?" another Trump backer said.
But sexual assault interventionist Yvette Lozano, of the Los Angeles nonprofit Peace Over Violence, says victims are often hesitant, especially if the accused is someone with power.
"Many times they feel like their story may not be believed by the way in which the community responds," Lozano said.
Lozano says she can't speak to the Trump allegations specifically but says victims often find strength in numbers, like the dozens of women who accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault.
"They see someone else sharing a similar experiences and they might find that courage as well," Lozano said
Lozano says it's unfortunate these situations may be happening, but it's at least shedding light on a dark topic that's often not discussed.
"This is a time to raise awareness and talk about how we can prevent these issues from occurring."
