People who sexually abuse others often seek victims who they perceive to be helpless. Often, the targets of sexual abuse are children, but adults can be vulnerable to sexual abuse as well.
The attorney of an alleged victim of sexual abuse at a high-class New York hotel said his client would testify, if prosecutors ask. A West African immigrant hotel maid at the lavish Sofitel is willing to tell her story in front of the man she accused of trying to rape her – the head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
At Strauss-Kahn’s arraignment, the IMF chief’s lawyer claimed preliminary evidence was inconsistent with a forced sexual encounter. The maid’s attorney said the powerful international politician is trying to intimidate his 32-year-old client by accusing her of wanting what was clearly not consensual sex.
Just recently, Strauss-Kahn had given an interview to a French newspaper about the possibility of his candidacy for the French presidency next year. In that conversation, Strauss-Kahn predicted campaign backlash over his money, relationships with women and the fact that he was Jewish. Strauss-Kahn stated that he felt his enemies might try to frame him for rape.
The chambermaid’s attorney denies any setup. He said his client is fearless to take the stand because she will tell the truth about her encounter in the hotel room with the IMF leader. The Sofitel employee’s lawyer projected that Strauss-Kahn’s defense strategy will be a spin of the attempted rape to try to place the blame on the victim.
The woman’s attorney has said that they have not discussed the possibility of a lawsuit against Strauss-Kahn. However, it is worthwhile to note that a victim’s lawsuit for compensation is a very real possibility in this type of situation.
Source: CBS News, “Maid’s lawyer: IMF sex assault case no setup,” 5/18/2011
