A woman who said Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., sexually harassed and assaulted her used the term "shooting ducks" while describing the atmosphere involving female staffers on Capitol Hill.
Deanna Maher, who served on Conyers' staff from 1997-2005, spoke with Fox News' Martha MacCallum about her allegations.
"I was not anything like these young girls coming through, who are so vulnerable," said Maher, who was in her 50s at the time of the alleged sexual misconduct. "I'm really trying to stand up for them because they are vulnerable.
"It's very exciting and glamorous to be part of Capitol Hill, the congressional hearings. And this is where they are — they are just shooting ducks, and they hit on them."
Her mention of the term "shooting ducks" seemed to be in reference to "sitting ducks," meaning the women on Capitol Hill were easy targets for men who decided to sexually assault or harass them.
Maher briefly described to MacCallum what she said Conyers did to her, which involved "trying to hit on me" and, later, a "violent" assault at his office.
Maher told The Detroit News this week Conyers entered her hotel suite wearing only underwear, touched her during a car ride, and put his hands up her dress.
At least one other woman has accused Conyers of sexual misconduct.
Several reports of sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill have emerged in recent weeks, including claims taxpayer money was used to settle lawsuits women filed against lawmakers.
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