Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre has died, her family has confirmed.
The woman was described as “a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse” by her heartbroken family, who said she took her life at her farm in Western Australia. Virginia, who was trafficked by Epstein as a teen, also claimed she was sexually abused by Prince Andrew, claims the royal has strongly denied.
Virginia’s family said today: “It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce that Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia. She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
“Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight.”
The statement was sent to NBC News, which reports how Virginia’s bravery gave abuse survivors everywhere the courage to speak out. The 41-year-old woman grew to prominence when she came forward with her allegations, and called for charges to be brought against late financier Epstein.
While being held on sex trafficking charges, Epstein, 66, hanged himself in a New York jail in August 2019. The sex offender, said to have had more than 200 victims, was found unresponsive in his cell in the Manhattan clink.
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories