2016 Election Brings Public Dialogue on Sexual Violence Into Prime Time

— -- The topic of sexual assault has become prominent in the 2016 presidential race to the dismay of many Americans. But advocates for victims of sexual violence see a silver lining: An issue often kept in the shadows is now in the spotlight.

Laura Palumbo, a spokesperson from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, told ABC News that the prominent media coverage of women’s accusations of sexual assault by Republican nominee Donald Trump has helped bring the topic of sexual violence into the public dialogue.

"Sometimes there have to be moments that help change perception of things like this,” Palumbo said.

Trump has vehemently denied the claims of sexual assault and blames the media for giving his accusers a platform.

His campaign has also sought to highlight claims of sexual assault and harassment against former President Bill Clinton, the husband of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton has strongly denied the accusations against him.