Publishes commentary

Dunham writes for Buzzfeed that she published the details of her alleged sexual assault in college in order to highlight the shame she felt and to deal with it, not to expose the perpetrator or bring him to justice. She says she didn’t report the incident to the college or to police, like many other assault victims, and says she was ashamed and confused when telling her gynecologist, as she had been drunk and high at the time it occurred.

And I was afraid. I was afraid that no one would believe me. I was afraid other potential partners would consider me damaged goods. I was afraid I was overreacting. I was afraid it was my fault. I was afraid he would be angry. Eight years later, I know just how classic these fears are. They are the reason that the majority of college women who are assaulted will never report it.