Victims of Jeffrey Epstein have shared emotional accounts of sexual abuse as they called for lawmakers to release more files about the convicted sex offender on the steps of the US Capitol.
One woman, Lisa Phillips, stated that the group had begun compiling a confidential list of Epstein associates involved in the abuse. We will confidentially compile the names we all know were regularly in the Epstein world, she said. It will be done by survivors, and for survivors. The rally aimed to push lawmakers to act on releasing more information from the Epstein investigation.
During a two-hour news conference, nine female accusers detailed their harrowing experiences with Epstein, emphasizing that many victims were too afraid to come forward themselves. While Phillips called for the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to release all relevant documents, she highlighted concerns regarding potential repercussions for victims.
Marina Lacerda, who worked for Epstein between the ages of 14 and 17, recalled her experience being coerced into his world, stating, I was one of dozens of girls… forced into Jeffrey's mansion at a young age. Lacerda expressed the painful transition from viewing it as a job into what became her worst nightmare.
Liz Stein, who has taken legal action against Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, shared her frustration with the neglect of victim voices, urging others to recognize these events as crimes of sex trafficking rather than political scandals.
Survivor Annie Farmer remarked on previous failures to investigate complaints against Epstein, while Chauntae Davies mentioned Epstein's friendship with Donald Trump, noting that while Epstein claimed association with many powerful figures, those accused often escaped accountability.
Despite Congress releasing some documents on the case, many survivors and their lawyers believe crucial information is still being withheld. Two House members are currently attempting to pass legislation forcing the DoJ to disclose all related files.
