I say just more exposure. Every school I ever attended as a teen saw a teacher (or counselor) and a student in a relationship that "everyone knows about". Then, during my teaching years, it was also pretty clear that 1-2 faculty members every year or two was up to something. Now with instant media, we hear about every instance. Long long ago (way back in the 80's, LOL), it rarely got reported on, and never went national. Now we hear about tiny rural school corporations 2500 mi away.
(And no, I never dated or inappropriately touched a student.)