One of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims has recounted the terrifying methods he used to exert control over her, including leveraging her mother’s illness.
Danielle Bensky is among numerous women who have publicly shared their experiences with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019.
Following his death, there have been persistent demands for the release of the ‘Epstein files’ to the public. Over the years, several documents related to Epstein have been made public, but recently, survivors like Bensky have appealed to Congress to make the remaining files accessible.
The advocacy group World Without Exploitation released a video urging for transparency, with victims stating it’s “time to bring the secrets out of the shadows” and criticizing the secrecy maintained across “five administrations.”
Bensky disclosed that she was 17 when she reportedly encountered Epstein. At that time, she was in a vulnerable situation, working to support her mother, who was dealing with serious health issues.
“I was 17 when I met Jeffrey Epstein,” she recounted. “I was an aspiring ballerina taking on various jobs to support my mother, who was battling a brain tumor, and to continue with my training.”
Initially, Ms. Bensky believed that assistance from a ‘wealthy philanthropist’ could help pay for her dance lessons and care for her mother. Unfortunately, this led to ‘months of abuse’.
“What started as an opportunity to fund dance lessons turned into months of abuse. Epstein manipulated my mother’s illness to maintain control over me,” she explained.
Bensky described how Epstein exploited her mother’s health condition as a tool for manipulation: “He offered help and threatened to withdraw it if I spoke out. It took me years to come forward, and I do so now because too many people still think this story should remain hidden.”
She called for the release of the remaining Epstein files, stating: “Releasing these files doesn’t harm survivors. Silence harms survivors.
“The sealed documents contain information about those who enabled him and the systems that shielded him.”
“We deserve the complete truth, and so does the public.”
According to reports, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding the public release of all Epstein-related files ‘in a searchable and downloadable format’ within 30 days, as reported by the BBC.
President Donald Trump has already commented on the vote, urging Republicans to support the file release, stating ‘we have nothing to hide’.
Lauren Hersh, National Director of World Without Exploitation, expressed in a press release that the survivors view this vote as a chance to firmly take a stand against the abuse of minors, saying: “They want the public to understand how systemic gaps allowed a predator to operate for years and to learn what changes are necessary to prevent a recurrence.”
“Republicans and Democrats who endorse the release of these files can ensure that future investigations into child exploitation are more robust, transparent, and attuned to victims who often remain voiceless.”
“The survivors are urging members of Congress to collaborate across party lines to reveal the full truth.”