How The release of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Deposition may be triggering for Victims of sexual assault
On Thursday, Oct 22, after losing her appeal, Ghislaine Maxwell’s deposition was released by Judge Loretta Preska consisting of over 400 pages. This deposition comes from the case [victim] Virginia L. Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell.
The release of this deposition is emotional and possibly triggering for victims of sexual assault. It puts the behavior of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to question, it brings attention to inexcusable behavior that changed the lives of their victims.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s partner, and master manipulator was arrested on Jul. 2, 2020. Being arrested on several accounts of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and perjury, the deposition reveals detailed, graphic encounters Maxwell had with young women on Jeffrey Epstein’s “islands.” and estates. Denying, or refusing to answer questions, Maxwell exposes herself.
Maxwell’s deposition being released may be looked at as justice for victims, but deeply rooted into the lines of the 400 pages, are lies, victim shaming, and triggers that may cause victims to be even more afflicted.
Maxwell’s deposition begins with her explanation of her job description for her work with Epstein. It quickly transitions to her time spent recruiting women to bring to Epstein’s mansions.
Plaintiff Sigrid McCawley asks, “Did you ever invite anybody who was under the age of 18 to Jeffrey’s homes?” Ghislaine blurs the question by suggesting that she and Epstein may have had children of their friends in the house, but she did not exclusively invite children over and did not invite Virginia Giuffre over, she presented herself as a masseuse.
Ghislaine goes on to deny knowing, on any occasion, that Epstein had sexual encounters with minors. She states she did not know, at the time of this questioning, why Epstein was in jail, and what he was arrested for. She even denied having any mutual relationship with Epstein that was more than business associates.
The more notable part of Ghislaine Maxwell’s deposition was her victim shaming. She framed the defendant and victim, Virginia Giuffre, [Virginia Roberts at the time of her abuse] as a “Serial liar”. Ghislaine put Giuffre’s character into question, stating the whole court knew she was a liar, and her facts about her experiences were only “claims”. On page 241 of the deposition, McCawley asks, “Do you agree that calling a sexual abuse victim a liar when she speaks out about her abuse can cause psychological harm?” Maxwell responded saying she cannot speculate about a random hypothetical person.
This comment from Maxwell represents a recurring theme of victim shaming or the inability to recognize the psychological harm that comes with being a victim of sexual abuse. Holding the participants in these themes accountable challenges the cultural understanding of title IX and creates a space for victims to be heard.
Statistically, of the 17.7 million female sexual assault victims in the U.S, Women ages 18-24 who are college students are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence and of the 2.78 million male sexual assault victims, men ages 18-24 who are college students are five times more likely than men in general to experience sexual violence (RAINN.org). Title IX policies on university campuses are incredibly important and are often changing.
Title IX, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in educational settings that receive federal funds, has changed within just the past year at CU Boulder. “Changes to definitions and terminology about what is considered prohibited conduct under the policy; the separation of roles between decision-makers and sexual misconduct investigators in the formal adjudication process; and the inclusion of live, cross-examination hearings as part of the formal adjudication process that provide cost-free advisers if needed,” Said Valerie Simons, Associate Vice Chancellor & Title IX Coordinator. Administration. Although students are required to complete bystander training courses, sexual assault is not completely preventable. The university teaches students to prepare for “when” it happens, not “if” it happens. This may contribute to the cultural understanding of title IX at CU Boulder.
Like sexual assault, sex trafficking college students are susceptible to sex trafficking, where the highest percentage of female victims can be found in the 18-20 age group (CTDC.org). Often, the predator will search for certain vulnerable demographics; mentally ill, or distressed, economically struggling, and substance abusers. These demographics are all found on a college campus.
“University policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence and stalking as well as related retaliation are fundamental to ensuring equal access and opportunity to an education and employment,” said Simons. CU is committed to ensuring that all aspects of a protected class are addressed by our policy and responded to by OIEC. Education about university policies sets expectations for our community and informs people about the rights and protections that are in place. It can help people recognize problems and address them as individuals or bystanders.”
The media has been accused of “falling short” in regards to their loyalty to the citizens. Failing to report on Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein and withholding the evidence they had at hand. Vicki Ward, who was assigned a story in 2002 with Vanity Fair, was to profile Epstein as a great businessman. While collecting evidence, she opened a box to years of sexual assault victims and sex trafficking, including two sisters who shared their story for the first time. Ward presented this information to her editor-in-chief, she felt she owed it to the sisters and the unspoken victims who were vulnerable enough to share their experiences. Ward later received a call from her editor who said the sisters were to be taken out of the story. “Vanity Fair basically got bought off by Jeffrey, I cried in public, so much work and so much bravery, and for what?…What none of us knew was that the girls who I’d spoken to were only the tip of the iceberg.” Said Ward in an interview with Netflix.
As pointed out in “Filthy Rich” a docuseries about Ghislaine and Epstein, it is alarming to see people in power such as President Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, and Prince Andrew partying with sexual abusers, and in some cases, even being photographed with the young women who were trafficked and abused by Epstein. The release of the Deposition holds people in power accountable.
While it is important to note that events like the release of Maxwell’s deposition can be triggering and emotional to victims, If the pattern of bringing abusers to justice continues, women and men will be more likely to speak up about their abuse.
If you need assistance, are seeking help, or if you or someone you know may be in danger of sexual abuse, utilize the resources below.
University of Colorado resources on campus:
A word from Valerie Simons about contacting the office: It is important that everyone who is part of our campus community knows that they can contact our office to consult if they are unsure whether the behavior is related to sexual misconduct or protected class or what they want to have happen. Contacting our office does not initiate any formal or investigative process. We respect and value an individual’s choice in what they would like to have happen and would only take further action if a situation posed a threat to individuals or the campus in general. We always encourage people who have been impacted by prohibited conduct to connect with a confidential resource like the Office of Victim Assistance or the Ombuds Office.
- University of Colorado Boulder Police Department – Emergency: 911, Non-Emergency: 303-492-6666
- CAPS: Counselling and Psychiatric Services https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/
- OVA: Office of Victim Assistance https://www.colorado.edu/ova/
- OIEC: Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance https://www.colorado.edu/oiec/
