Epstein Survivors Face Lasting Financial Strain: 'It Doesn't Just Go Away'

Danielle Bensky and other survivors of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein say that healing has been a long, costly process — one that goes far beyond therapy sessions and courtrooms. Many survivors describe ongoing physical and mental health needs, mounting bills, and career setbacks that make ordinary goals like buying a home seem out of reach.

A Costly Recovery

"I would just love to own a house one day and have a dog," Bensky said. "I think that's the dream — literally just to have a normal existence where we're not trying to fight the government and constantly be facing our own abuse." She added that she is currently uninsured and pays many costs out of pocket.

Survivors cited routine expenses tied to recovery: physical therapy for post-traumatic injuries can run about $200 per visit, trauma-informed yoga roughly $250 per month, and other specialists who address long-term nervous system damage are often expensive and not covered by insurance. Jess Michaels, a former professional dancer, said the assault derailed her career and left her unable to audition or work consistently for years.

Advocacy Has Its Own Costs

Many survivors have taken time away from paid work to participate in advocacy and public testimony. That involvement can trigger additional expenses — travel, caregiving or pet care when traveling (sometimes $175–$200 per day), and lost wages — while also exposing survivors to professional pushback. "There are certain places that won't even hire some of us now because they're saying that we're 'too political,'" Bensky said.

Legislation Seeks Restitution

This week, Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Teresa Leger Fernández and Deborah Ross introduced the Survivors' Rights Restitution Act, which would establish a restitution fund in the judicial branch for survivors whose rights were violated by the federal government, specifically naming survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The bill aims to address the financial gap survivors face — lost income, medical costs and other recovery-related expenses — but its passage is uncertain amid partisan divisions.

Why Compensation Varies

Compensation to date has differed dramatically among survivors. Spencer Kuvin, chief legal officer at Goldlaw, noted that some survivors received tens of thousands while others received millions. Survivors warn that being part of a settlement or fund does not guarantee lifelong financial security; amounts and coverage vary based on many factors, including the nature of the claims and individual circumstances.

Survivors' Voices

"Sexual harm is an injury that demands first aid care, just like any other injury," Michaels said. "There's something that happens when you have PTSD for a long period of time. It doesn't just go away."

Advocates and survivors say public attention and legal remedies are important but insufficient without sustained medical, mental-health and financial support. Organizations such as World Without Exploitation have helped with advocacy-related costs, and the Virgin Islands mental health fund — created as part of a settlement between an investment bank and local authorities — has provided some coverage for treatment. Still, many survivors remain uninsured or underinsured and continue to face steep, ongoing expenses tied to recovery and advocacy.

What Survivors Say They Need

• Reliable access to trauma-informed medical and mental health care.
• Compensation that reflects long-term loss of earnings and ongoing medical needs.
• Support for participation in advocacy without forfeiting economic security.