The family of Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, has released a handwritten letter penned shortly before her death, declaring that her “voice will not be silenced.”
Ms Giuffre, who was found dead at her farmhouse close to Perth, Western Australia, last week in what authorities are treating as a suspected suicide, left behind a note urging families to unite in the fight for victims of sexual abuse. The letter reads: “Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers need to show the battle lines are drawn, and stand together to fight for the future of victims.” She added: “Is protesting the answer? I don’t know. But we’ve got to start somewhere.”
The note was posted online by Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, who is married to Giuffre’s brother, Sky. Alongside a snapshot of the letter, she shared a tribute committing to continue Giuffre’s work for abuse survivors.
“Hello world. We found a handwritten note that our sister Virginia wrote,” Roberts said in her message. “I think it’s important that the survivors know that she’s with you and her voice will not be silenced. I know that it’s so important, and her wish is that we continue to fight.
“Her words are: ‘Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers need to show the battle lines are drawn, and stand together to fight for the future of victims. ‘Is protesting the answer? I don’t know. But we’ve got to start somewhere. To all survivors and those protesting. We stand with you in solidarity and know the fight is not over.”
Ms Giuffre, a 41-year-old mother of three, became the central figure in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal after alleging she had been trafficked to powerful men, including Prince Andrew, who has consistently denied the accusations. Her family said the “toll of abuse” had become “unbearable,” and they are determined to honour her legacy by continuing her advocacy work for survivors of sexual exploitation.
Her brother, Danny Wilson, also shared previously unseen photographs of happier times with his siblings – including himself, Virginia, and their brother Sky – in a series of emotional social media posts following her death.
In a now-infamous photograph, Ms Giuffre is pictured as a teenager with Andrew’s arm around her waist inside Ghislaine Maxwell’s London townhouse In 2001.
The Duke of York has said he has no recollection of ever meeting her and has denied all allegations.
In 2021, Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit in New York against Andrew under the Child Victims Act, accusing him of sexually abusing her on three occasions when she was 17 years old – in London, New York, and the US Virgin Islands.
The lawsuit alleged she was forced to have sex with the royal under Epstein’s direction.
In February 2022, the case was settled out of court.
Andrew did not admit any wrongdoing but agreed to pay Giuffre a reported sum of £12 million, including a donation to her charity for victims of abuse.
Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 as he was held in jail awaiting trial for child sex trafficking.
**For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email **jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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