I get that characters are supposed to be flawed, and in situations like this, people are going to say nasty, hurtful things. That's a realistic reaction on both sides. What isn't debatable, though, is that what happened was sexual assault. I don't think I'll ever understand why authors so often downplay the effects of sexual assault. This entire chapter would have been just as compelling and emotionally impactful without it. The SA felt completely unnecessary and didn't add any meaningful substance to the story.
I get that characters are supposed to be flawed, and in situations like this, people are going to say nasty, hurtful things. That's a realistic reaction on both sides. What isn't debatable, though, is that what happened was sexual assault. I don't think I'll ever understand why authors so often downplay the effects of sexual assault. This entire chapter would have been just as compelling and emotionally impactful without it. The SA felt completely unnecessary and didn't add any meaningful substance to the story.