On the Charges Dropped Against Dominique Strauss-Kahn

August 23, 2011 -

Every criminal case presents two issues: First, did the incident happen? Second, can it be proven beyond a reasonable doubt? The fact that in this case the District Attorney answered no to Question Two does not answer Question One, as the DA himself said in his papers.

What we read suggests that Ms. Diallo has credibility issues, but also that those issues do not go to her description of the alleged attack. Our reading also suggests that Mr. Strauss-Kahn has a history of using his money and power to sexually coerce, harass and attack women. Non-consensual sex with a woman is a crime, no matter what her past is or what she has done in other parts of her life, and sexual assault victims often act in ways that seem counterintuitive. Our justice system was designed to allow juries to decide criminal cases when there are conflicting stories about a possible criminal event. It is unfortunate that this case will not be resolved that way.  

A positive outcome of this case is that it has highlighted the dangers hotel housekeepers often face on the job. As the Associated Press reported  in the wake of Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s arrest, many hotel housekeepers have suffered the consequences of a power imbalance on the job.

“These customers think they can use us for anything they want because we don't have the power that they have or the money that they have,” a Chicago hotel housekeeper explained to the Associated Press.

Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s arrest led several hotel chains to revisit their sexual harassment policies, provide new safety procedures for their employees and educate them about their rights at work. Prosecutors have dropped charges against Mr. Strauss-Kahn, but at least this case has alerted the hotel industry to the need to address the dangers of sexual harassment and assault their employees face on the job. 

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