While I found the reports I had read over the years about Virginia Giuffre tragic, I didn’t have a particular interest in reading more about her or the horrible things which she survived. There are enough horrors to be witnessed in the world without my needing to seek out more.
Despite my distance from the topic, it proved impossible to escape. Between the media promotion following the publication of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, the fall of Prince Andrew and the ceaseless demand for the release of the Epstein Files, the story is simply not going away. The book was featured in store windows in Montreal and multiple cities in Italy during my travels in the past six months, indicating that it is very much an international story of interest.
On Monday, I visited my local branch of the Albany Public Library to select some new print titles to read. As I checked out at the circulation desk, I noticed a copy of Nobody’s Girl on the shelving cart and asked if it was available. It was. I added it to my stack of books and went on my way.
Feeling slightly pressured to read Giuffre’s book first since it was a two week loan and I was leaving for a two week vacation in a week’s time, I picked it up Monday in the late afternoon. By midday Wednesday, I was finished with it. Actually, I should say I was finished with reading it. I don’t think I’ll be finished mentally or emotionally with this book for a very long time.
The timing of my consumption of this story of sexual abuse, trafficking and the immense power of the wealthy, could not have been more appropriate. April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month and the topic has been hard to avoid, be it in the news or on the streets.
The Whitehouse has issued a statement in recognition of the month, my afternoon walk featured a display designed to inform about the subject and yesterday, Melania Trump made a bizarre statement asserting her distance from Jeffrey Epstein and his activities.
It’s all so damn sordid.
Returning to Jenna’s* narrative in Nobody’s Girl, it’s a devastating story of neglect, incest, exploitation and violence all suffered by a woman who could have been anybody’s girl. While my life bears no resemblance to hers, there were a couple of incidents that caused me to pause and think, “that could have happened to me.” I, too, relied upon hitchhiking to get around as a teen and the abuse suffered by Jenna at the hands of someone who gave her a ride will haunt me forever. Recreational drugs, often provided by older men, were readily available socially when I was growing up. What did I escape by declining to take them or avoiding those who I felt uncomfortable being around?
How did I get so lucky, while Jenna was repeatedly made a victim? It hurts my heart to think of it.
This Saturday, The Hot Yoga Spot is offering a special class dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to support survivors of sexual abuse. The timing of the class is less than ideal for me since I have to be at work by 4:00, but I’ll be there nonetheless.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway for me from Nobody’s Girl, is that Jenna could have been anybody’s girl. No girl should have to live a life as everybody’s girl, abused, trafficked and permanently damaged.
Release the Epstein Files and deliver the punishment every one of those involved deserves to suffer because of their actions. Do it for Jenna and every single girl you’ve ever known – or been.
*While her given name was Virginia, she was known as Jenna by family and friends.
DelSo 