Prosecutor urges victim advocacy

Linda Fairstein means business. The New York City assistant district attorney, who was on campus yesterday to speak to students about reducing sexual violence, has been operating with that idea in mind for all 22 of her years in the legal field. In conjunction with the University's first Domestic Violence/Dating Abuse Awareness Week, Fairstein -- who gained national fame for prosecuting the Central Park Jogger and Preppy Murder cases -- spoke about her efforts to put rapists and other sexual assailants behind bars. Fairstein published a book last fall entitled Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape. The book chronicles her experiences and suggests ways for law enforcement offices to institute special programs for sexual offenders and their victims. Fairstein's career began in 1972, when she joined the staff of the NYC District Attorney's Office after graduating from the University of Virginia Law School. She was one of only 7 women on the 160-person force. Fairstein said her original career goal did not include becoming a sex crimes prosecutor, simply because the option did not exist at the time. Now, however, she has gained national fame as a sex crimes prosecutor in the Central Park Jogger and Preppy Murder Cases. "Rape is not a crime of sexuality, but a very violent crime in which the sexual act is the weapon," Fairstein said. For this reason, the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, which she heads, works to make victims more comfortable, and to increase the number of convictions of accused offenders. It also lobbies for additional changes in sexual violence legislation. The most important legislative initiatives recently passed, in Fairstein's view, are "rape shield" laws, which prevent a victim's past sexual history from being discussed in court if she is involved in an assault case. Fairstein said perpetrators of rape usually fall into three categories: strangers, acquaintances, family members and professionals, such as dentists or psychologists, whom people trust when they are vulnerable, under anesthesia or depressed. "You have to be creative and innovative in finding ways to make these cases better," Fairstein said, referring to the third type of rapist. She added that rapists are "recidivists" -- people with a tendency to repeat their acts. Emphasizing that it is important for everyone, especially college students, to be aware of the circumstances which can lead to sexual assault, Fairstein said women need to know what resources are available to them if they are raped. She explained that now, though, many victims find it cathartic to take on their attacker through the criminal justice system because of persistent fear for their lives and a lingering loss of trust, which are are often results of rape. "It's wonderful to get a guilty verdict [in those cases]," she said, before opening the floor to questions. Students were very excited about Fairstein's remarks. "She was great, really interesting," said College junior Nancy Epstein. "She really understands the severity and horror of her victims, and tries to help them deal with it." College senior Jill Heitler agreed. "I want to be a New York prosecutor because of Linda Fairstein!" she said.