In the days since her rape we have collectively and individually wept, raged, marched, protested, argued, appeared on talk shows, worried about the safety of our daughters and her friends, heaped scorn on our politicians, despaired at the attitudes of our policemen, wrung our hands in despair. We have suggested all manner of solutions: from the vengeful to the just, from preventive to retributive, from the immediate to the long term.u00a0

We have been reminded once again of the critical condition of our society, of the need for determined, effective and urgent action.