Womanspace will honor the achievements of Linda Fairstein, best-selling author and former head of the Sex Crimes Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, at the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award reception to be hosted by Janssen Pharmaceutica on Thursday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Titusville.
The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award was created to honor individuals who have followed the example set by Ms. Sigmund and Womanspace founders Mary Ann Cannon, Ellen Belknap, Deborah Metzger and Valorie Caffee. As a Mercer County freeholder and Princeton Borough mayor, Ms. Sigmund worked tirelessly to achieve the vision of a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their children.
Now retired after 25 years as head of the Sex Crimes Unit of the Manhattan DA’s office, Linda Fairstein began her service as a prosecutor in the office of the New York County District Attorney in 1972. Since 1976, when Robert Morgenthau made her the bureau chief of Manhattan’s Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, she was instrumental in the development and implementation of victim-centered investigation and prosecution of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
In addition to her work as a public servant, Ms. Fairstein is a celebrated author. In 1993 she wrote Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, which traces the evolution of sexual assault legislation and the history of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit’s innovative work. She has also written a successful series of crime novels, as well, and will be signing copies of her latest, The Bone Vault, at the reception-dinner.
Womanspace provides comprehensive emergency and follow-up services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including rape.
Services include safe, short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, 24-hour bilingual hotlines and transitional housing programs. Individual counseling and support groups are available for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Janssen Pharmaceutica is located at 1125 Trenton-Harbourton Road, Titusville. Individual tickets are $100 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, call (609) 394-0136 or visit www.womanspace.org

