Can't agree with you here at all. There are lots of reasons to say nothing. My guess is the only reason it is coming out now is because of the avalanche of allegations from people who feel empowered after the Harvey Weinstein/Hollywood melt down.
Nope. I will differ from you most certainly. There are many reasons city folks would keep such a thing quiet. No reason at all in the country. Her family is her defense, not the law.
Now, it can be claimed that the town was more urbane, and that all these women were citified - but that don't track with speaking to their mammas to ask em out.
And it could be taken that all these women were from dysfunctional families, but sure enough, he'd have run into one, and believe me, one is all it would take.