Sex Crimes: Ten Years on the Front Lines Prosecuting Rapists and Confronting Their Collaborators

... Show More
From her ten years of experience in the Queens, New York, district attorney's office, the author offers a searing indictment of our justice system and how it "collaborates" with rapists.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 15 votes)
5 stars
4(27%)
4 stars
6(40%)
3 stars
5(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
15 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
It is truly so upsetting, and the main reason is that it is indeed true. I have a deep longing to engage in this kind of work and offer assistance to those women who have suffered abuse. Alice, without a doubt, is a hero in my eyes.

She has shown extraordinary courage and determination in dealing with such difficult situations. Her actions have not only brought hope and help to the abused women but have also inspired many others.

I look up to her and wish to follow in her footsteps. I believe that by doing so, I can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Although the work may be challenging and emotionally draining, I am willing to take on this responsibility and do my part to make the world a better place for these women.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I've been a dedicated follower of Ms. Vachss' husband, Andrew Vachss, for numerous years. The fact that these two wonderful people met and got married truly fills me with joy.

As an individual who endured emotionally abusive owners, namely my parents, I never had the opportunity to form healthy bonds. Now, at the age of 81, I have finally come to terms with this reality. Andrew Vachss was the very first person to validate my experience, highlighting that emotional abuse can be even more enduring and damaging than physical torture.

My life was severely sabotaged by my mother. She went to great lengths to illegally maintain her tax exemption, even when I was homeless for a staggering 30 years and she provided no support whatsoever. She ensured that I couldn't obtain a job because if I had, she wouldn't have been able to continue her illegal deductions. Sadly, the system seemed to assist her in this unjust behavior.

It wasn't until I was 40 years old that I landed my first job that paid a living wage. The experiences I had in federal court when the government illegally fired me three times from a civil service job closely mirror the experiences of both Andrew and Alice Vachss with the so-called Just Us (justice) system. It is just as rigged and corrupt as the US electoral system.

Both Alice and Andrew Vachss are undoubtedly heroes in my eyes. I am still constantly running from the abuse that has haunted me throughout my life, and I will continue to do so until the day I die. It's the only survival mechanism I know. I am deeply grateful to Andrew and Alice Vachss for providing me with some comfort and inspiration along this difficult journey. Their legacy will undoubtedly last forever. I highly recommend reading their books. They have the unique ability to speak truth to power in a way that only those who have dedicated their lives to fighting the system on behalf of the powerless can.

Respect and love!
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book can be essentially divided into two themes.

The main theme, which focuses on Vachss's near Herculean efforts in the war to hold rapists and other perpetrators of sexual crimes accountable, is truly remarkable. Her almost heroic endeavors to reshape how the justice system treats rape victims make for an amazing read. She achieved a great deal and paved the way for much-needed reforms both in the United States and in England. However, politics inevitably played a role in preventing her from attaining all of her goals.

The second story, regarding her in-depth intra-office battles and politics, did not come across as well or nearly as compelling. Those readers who were initially unaware of the role politics plays in prosecuting attorney's offices were quickly brought up to speed at the beginning of the book. Nevertheless, Vachss dwelt on this issue for too long in the book, especially concerning the Lincoln County Oregon DA and CD. By the time the conclusion and verdict of the Acosta trial arrived, I was on the verge of discarding the book, as I had no desire to read any more complaints about the CD and the inept DA, which had been covered exhaustively in previous chapters.

Overall, it offers an excellent perspective into the workings of actual sex crimes units, beyond the highly polished clichés and façade presented on TV shows like SVU.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book is truly an amazing piece of work.

It has the power to transport readers to different worlds and introduce them to a plethora of unique characters and storylines.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down once you start reading.

Each page is filled with excitement, adventure, and emotion, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, or any other genre, this book has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for anyone who loves to lose themselves in a good book and experience the magic that only a great story can bring.

So, if you're looking for a new book to add to your collection, look no further than this one.

You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book is extremely well written.

The author has demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft a story that engages the reader from the very first page.

The plot is intricately woven, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The writing style is流畅 and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book is sure to delight.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

You will not be disappointed.
July 15,2025
... Show More
To be fair, I’d probably give this a 3.5 rather than a straight-up 3.

There were certain parts of it that truly intrigued me. It managed to hold my attention and keep me engaged for the most part. However, I have to admit that it did take me a while to get through the entire thing.

One aspect that I really appreciated was how she clearly laid out the actions she took. She walked through the cases from the very beginning all the way to the end. This detailed approach gave me a better understanding of the process and the decisions that were made along the way.

Overall, while it had its flaws, there were also many redeeming qualities that made it an interesting read. I would recommend it to others who are interested in the subject matter.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is a truly inspiring piece of writing that takes a refreshing turn by centering on the potential of prosecuting sex offenders. It also emphasizes the importance of empowering the victims, enabling them to regain a sense of safety and resume their lives.

The article is presented from the perspective of a prosecutor who has dedicated herself to this crucial issue. Her insights and experiences offer a unique and valuable perspective.

It is evident that she is highly committed to seeking justice for the victims and holding the offenders accountable. One can't help but imagine the challenges she faces in her line of work, but her determination shines through.

The thought of being a defendant when she is on the job is indeed a daunting one. Her expertise and tenacity would surely make it a difficult battle for any wrongdoer.

Overall, this article serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and the need to support and empower the victims of sex crimes. It gives hope and inspiration to those who have suffered and shows that there is a path forward towards healing and recovery.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Vachss is an outstanding storyteller, and her life is indeed a story that merits being told.

The book successfully delves into personal stories from particular trials, vividly conveying the brutality of these cases. At the same time, it also addresses the institutional issues confronted by sex crimes prosecutors.

Not all of her ideas are unassailable, but by the time she commences suggesting methods to reform the system, the reader has gained a rather good understanding of who Vachss is and the origin of her ideas.

However, I felt that the last two sections of the book had a somewhat sluggish pace. I guess, just like in life, we never obtain the magnificent finale that we anticipate. Sadly, this implies that the pacing of the book becomes a bit disrupted in the last 50 pages or so.

Overall, it was a facile read that sheds light on numerous problems in prosecuting sex crimes. Vachss manages to maintain the interest, whether it pertains to the crimes themselves or the paperwork necessary to combat them.

It provides valuable insights into a complex and often overlooked area of the legal system.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.