A group of women who say they are survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex offender, shared their experiences on Capitol Hill and urged lawmakers to support the release of records claimed to have been held from the public allegedly containing other influential perpetrators.
On Sept. 3, Marina Lacerda, 37, who provided critical evidence that allowed federal prosecutors to charge Epstein, spoke publicly for the first time in an interview with ABC News. Lacerda called on the Trump administration to release any records related to Epstein and encouraged other survivors of abuse to come forward.
“I would like for them to give all the victims transparency, right, to what happened and release these files. It’s also not only for the victims but for the American people,” Lacerda said.
Anouska De Georgiou, the first woman from the United Kingdom to come forward about her experience at the hands of Epstein and his criminal associate Ghislaine Maxwell, stepped forward to the podium at Capitol Hill with Lacerda.
“The days of sweeping this under the rug are over. We, the survivors, say ‘no more,’” she said.
At a White House press conference, President Donald Trump was asked by the media to push for transparency on the Epstein files. He insisted the scandal was a “democratic hoax that never ends,” raising concern that the administration was deflecting from the issue to remain in good standing with the American people.
Haley Robson also spoke and said in response to Trump’s comments that the situation is not a hoax.
“Mr. President, Donald J. Trump, I am a registered Republican — not that that matters, because this is not political — however, I cordially invite you to the Capitol to meet me in person so you can understand this is not a hoax,” Robson said. “We are real human beings. This is real trauma.”
Other victims of Epstein stated that they are planning on compiling their own list of his known associates, saying the U.S. government has not published everything it knows.
“We know the names. Many of us were abused by them,” said Lisa Phillips, one of Epstein’s victims.
She explained that together as survivors, her and others alike would plan to confidentially compile the names they all know. She expressed that it will be done by survivors and for survivors.
Emily Guynn, a licensed professional counselor, said victims face common emotional challenges when disclosing sexual abuse publicily.
“They are inviting a host of eyes into a very intimate and sensitive part of their story,” she said. “The exposure to this large crowd of people can increase the likelihood of being triggered and the natural responses to their trauma that follow.”
Guynn acknowledged the common response amongst the public to be speculative of victims coming forward from a place of shame, and the strength it takes.
“Emotionally, they are risking critical feedback from the public that could increase a sense of shame and fear of others,” Guynn said. “Unfortunately, it is common for sexual abuse victims to be met with skepticism or completely dismissed.”
The lack of transparency and inaction in response to the recent Epstein list speculation has not been perceived well by the victims and some of the American people as the release of the alleged records have not yet been acknowledged by the White House.
The victim’s wishes to receive support and clarity to receive closure in their own stories have not been met.
Guynn emphasizes the important role institutions and communities play in the aftermath of the trauma survivors endure to ensure they feel equipped with the tools that increase safety and stability.
“Once safety is established, survivors can then be empowered to make an insightful decision about how to move forward regarding their experience,” Guynn said. “Considering the fact that their voice was not heard during the abuse, it is imperative that their voice is heard in the recovery period.”
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr
