The Crime Report's "The Lessons of the 'Brooklyn Groper' Case" explains that the ongoing series of gropings in the area fits the national pattern.
"The National Crime Victimization Survey estimates 188,400 people were raped or sexually assaulted in 2010. Yet thousands of these crimes go unreported to police. The survey shows only half of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to police. Even fewer made the news."
"'The problem of sexual harassment and groping in public spaces is epidemic,' said Suzanne Goldberg, director of Columbia University’s Center for Gender and Sexuality Law. 'I think most women do not report women being groped on the street or in public transportation.'"
"'The more reporting, the more chance that perpetrators will be caught, and that law enforcement will take more action.' Even so, [Goldberg] said, 'It is very difficult for police to find the perpetrator and prosecute.'"
"'The public just doesn't have an accurate assessment of the prevalence of crime in their communities,' said Carol Tracy, executive director of the Woman’s Law Project."
"The narrative of the Brooklyn Groper has opened Brooklyn’s eyes to the prevalence of sex crimes."