Yet, again, it is a staunch reminder of the fact that many sexual assault cases will not result in a formal punishment.

In fact, according to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 109 seconds.

“Only six out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison,” they state on their website.

Karr goes on to note the statistics show that “twenty per cent of women in the US have been raped at some point in their lives.” However she adds that the figure is “more like a hundred per cent for women who will have endured things many men might consider minor—an unwelcome penis pressed against your leg at a party; being humped at the water cooler; being fondled, lunged at, felt up, squeezed, rubbed against… verbal assaults.”

It is a problem which is seen all over the world; in fact, in shocking new research released in the UK, it was revealed that nearly two thirds of young women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

After surveying over 1,500 woman, researchers found that 52% had experienced “unwanted behaviour” at work, including inappropriate jokes, sexual advances, and groping.

The report also revealed that 79% of these women did not tell their employers it was happening, as they were concerned it would affect their career prospects – or that they wouldn’t be believed.

Whatever the circumstances, nobody has the right to force you to have sex, have sex with you without your consent, or sexually assault or harass you.

If you report the incident, the police will take it very seriously, and there are lots of organisations, like Victim Support, who can help you think about what you can do next.

Karr says: “My own pet opinion is that the guys who make creepy comments on the street or grab you or constantly seek to reassert sexual possibilities in ways that make you uncomfortable aren’t just oafs.

“They seem to get a perverse thrill from mortifying you. That’s why I chased the Grabber down.”

You can read Mary Karr's full essay, titled The Crotchgrabber, in The New Yorker.

Images: iStock

You have to read this best-selling author's epic response to the man who assaulted her in broad daylight