Woman Pursues Justice Against Epstein’s Estate After NYC Council Vote

A woman who alleges she was sexually abused by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at the age of 17 is preparing to file a lawsuit against his estate. The move comes after the New York City Council voted on October 31, 2023, to reopen a one-year window for survivors of gender-motivated violence to bring civil claims. This new legislation allows victims like Karine Silva to seek justice, despite previous legal barriers.

Silva first disclosed her experience of abuse by Epstein last month. She described being introduced to him by a friend, who promised her a job as a masseuse at his Upper East Side townhouse. Instead of a job opportunity, she claims she faced sexual abuse in the early 2000s, coinciding with the time when Virginia Giuffre, another prominent accuser, was introduced to Epstein at the age of 16. Giuffre later pursued legal action against Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, alleging they exploited her and introduced her to influential figures.

Reflecting on her long silence, Silva, now 42 and a mother of two, stated that she was not prepared to come forward for years. She expressed her frustration about not understanding the legal deadlines that would later impede her from pursuing justice. “I wasn’t ready to come out, and I wasn’t aware that the statute of limitations was something that was going to stop me from seeking justice,” Silva remarked.

Her attorney, Jordan Merson, who represents several victims of Epstein, emphasized the urgency of Silva’s situation. He noted that she reached out for assistance after recognizing that the statute of limitations posed a significant barrier. Merson highlighted the momentum for the new amendment, Intro. 1297, stating that when he suggested she could be a powerful voice in the fight for justice, she agreed to share her story.

Merson plans to file Silva’s lawsuit as soon as the legal window opens. He commented, “The New York City Council has shown by action that it stands with sexual abuse survivors and not the sex traffickers like Jeffrey Epstein.” He warned that any attempt to oppose the bill would signal a desire to protect Epstein and others like him rather than support victims of abuse.

Legislation to Reopen Civil Claims Window

The newly passed legislation, which awaits the signature of Mayor Eric Adams, aims to reopen the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) “lookback” period. This allows survivors to sue not only alleged perpetrators but also institutions that may have enabled the abuse, irrespective of when the incidents occurred. The bill, sponsored by Queens Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers and backed by over 40 co-sponsors, represents a significant shift toward supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

At a press conference outside City Hall, Silva expressed her relief and determination following the Council’s vote. “Today, thanks to the New York City Council, I get my voice back as a survivor,” she stated. “Now I can try to seek justice for all the harm I suffered.”

If enacted, the new provisions will allow Silva and other survivors, whose cases were previously dismissed, to seek civil accountability from Epstein’s estate and the institutions they allege contributed to their suffering. The window is set to open in 2026, providing a critical opportunity for those affected by Epstein’s actions.

Silva’s impending lawsuit follows recent actions at the federal level, where Congress passed legislation mandating the Justice Department to release all records related to Epstein before Christmas 2023. In July 2025, the FBI revealed that its review of Epstein’s files indicated he had over 1,000 victims.

Epstein’s history of abuse dates back to 2005 when he was first investigated in Florida for paying a 14-year-old for sex. He avoided federal charges through a controversial plea deal, serving only 13 months in a work-release program. His arrest in 2019 for sex trafficking led to his death by suicide a month later. Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

As the legal landscape evolves, Silva’s case may serve as a pivotal moment for survivors seeking justice and accountability in the wake of Epstein’s notorious legacy.