VIRGINIA Giuffre’s family has paid a touching tribute as part of a GoFundMe appeal to start a public memorial.
It comes just days after Giuffre was tragically found dead at her remote farmhouse, an hour north of Perth, on April 25 after years of torment.
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In a statement, the family said: “Dear Friends, Family, Survivors, and Supporters.
“First and foremost, thank you for the outpouring of love and support for our beloved Virginia.
“We know Virginia was not just a bright light to us but to many. The lives she touched, the strength, and the fight she gave us will live with us always.
“Though our family and many are experiencing an immeasurable sense of grief, we know that this will make us stronger— that is what Virginia would have wanted.
“With that, we think it is imperative that we find a way to leave her mark as a legacy.
“Virginia, through her fight and testimony, was able to amass settlements, but unfortunately, through this tragedy, as many of you may know, funds and estates can take years to settle.
“While her estate is being settled in Australia, her family in America is dedicated to memorialising and celebrating her spirit.
“It is our intention with this fund that we create a public memorial not just for family but for survivors and supporters from all over to visit and share space with Virginia.
“She deserves to have a permanent mark in this world that demonstrates her lasting impact.
“Virginia was adamant about seeing real change in active legislation. One of the laws she was driven to change was the Statute of Limitations for sexual abuse.
“Statute of Limitations is a convenient law for perpetrators.”
Virginia Roberts.
“It takes years for survivors to summon the courage to come forward and express their trauma.
“The Statute often expires before, stripping them of their voice and right to pursue justice. So many survivors don’t come forward because of this.
“We aim to drive that pursuit of justice and propose new legislation for change.
“It was Virginia’s life’s purpose to continue the fight and break the chains of silence! We will continue that mission with all our heart and soul. Together.”
The tragic tributes come after Giuffre’s sudden death in April, which opened a Pandora’s Box of unanswered questions.
She was the most prominent victim of the notorious Epstein was found dead by police before her family revealed she had died by suicide.
She said she was trafficked to the Royal by Epstein and his madam, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mum-of-three Virginia, who was estranged from her husband Robert, had also accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse on three occasions, including when she was just 17.
Prince Andrew was later stripped of his royal roles and banished from public duty in disgrace.
Epstein was later found dead in his prison cell in August 2019 whilst Maxwell is serving time behind bars in the US for her role.
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