Kathryn Smerling, a psychologist and therapist in New York City, shared insights with Fox News Digital on the lasting impact Jeffrey Epstein had on his victims.
This article covers sensitive topics related to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Virginia Giuffre, an accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, tragically died by suicide, marking the third death of individuals allegedly abused by the billionaire.
At 41 years old, Giuffre passed away in Neergabby, Australia, where she resided. Her death follows Epstein's suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Giuffre's family shared, "Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She will be missed beyond measure."
Virginia Roberts holding a photo of herself at age 16, when she says Jeffrey Epstein began abusing her sexually. (Emily Michot/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Giuffre's passing adds to the tragic toll of Epstein's victims, with two other accusers having died since 2017.
Carolyn Andriano, a witness in Ghislaine Maxwell's trial, died in 2023 from an accidental overdose.
Leigh Skye Patrick also lost her life to a drug overdose in 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Kathryn Smerling emphasized the long-lasting trauma experienced by Epstein's victims and the common link between sexual abuse and substance abuse.
"Without the proper support and therapy, coping with traumatic stress can lead to destructive behaviors," Smerling explained.
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Jeffrey Epstein in Cambridge, MA on Sept. 8, 2004. (Rick Friedman/Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty Images)
Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. Contact him at Adam.Sabes@fox.com or on Twitter @asabes10.