The Epstein files

• New lesson editor
• News
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• BTEC, GCSE

Introduction

Welcome to this lesson on the Epstein files. This is a sensitive topic, and there is a slide alerting learners to contact a responsible adult if they have been affected or are being affected by abuse. You can easily customise this lesson for your particular centre e.g. with safeguarding leads.

The Epstein files

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Yes

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No

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A little

Have you seen or heard this news yet?

What do you already know about the news of

The Epstein files?

How do you feel about this news?

At the end

of this lesson

• Explain who Jeffrey Epstein was and why he was in the news
  

• Understand what the 'Epstein files' are and why they have now been made public

• Can explain why the involvement of famous people causes controversy

Wat is er aan de hand?

How?

Under pressure from the victims, the press, and the public, a new law has been introduced in America stating that all files must be made public. Yet, information is still being withheld.

What?

The Epstein files are a very large collection of police and court documents regarding the sexual abuse and trafficking of young girls by Jeffrey Epstein. They also contain names of powerful individuals*.

Why?

It is believed that well-known individuals mentioned in the files, including President Trump, are protecting themselves to avoid appearing in court. People continue to fight for the transparency of all documents.

The Epstein case shows how unequal the world can be. Someone with enough money and the right friends can evade the law for years. People find this unfair and therefore demand that powerful individuals are also brought to justice. Moreover, there are victims all over the world, from the US to Europe. The case has sparked a global discussion on how we can better protect vulnerable young people from those with a lot of power.

Background #1

• Once, Jeffrey was a maths teacher. Later, he became a successful businessman with wealthy and powerful clients, gaining many important friends.

• Together with his wife, he organised parties for them in his villas. But he also abused and trafficked girls there.

• Because he had so much money, power, and important friends, people dared not say anything and his victims were afraid to speak out.

What do you think?

Why does someone with a lot of money have more power?

Think about.....

Costs for lawyers, your network (who do you know and who can help you?), education level, home situation.

Background #2

• But when one girl had the courage to speak up, more and more girls came forward.

• Jeffrey and Ghislaine recruited*, abused, and trafficked thousands of girls.

• In 2019, they were arrested. Jeffrey committed suicide in his cell. Ghislaine was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

• Victims, the press, and the public want all the data to be made public so that all perpetrators can be brought to justice.

Grooming of girls means that someone is trying to persuade children to do something that is not right or is dangerous. Usually, the perpetrator promises nice things, gifts or money to get them to participate, but in the end, the victims have to do what the perpetrator wants. Grooming is a criminal offence.

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Yes

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No

Epstein died in his cell before hearing his sentence.

Have his victims now received justice or not?

Gerechtigheid
Gerechtigheid betekent dat iets eerlijk en rechtvaardig wordt opgelost. Dat mensen die een misdaad hebben gepleegd, daarvoor een passende straf krijgen. En dat slachtoffers erkenning, hulp of genoegdoening krijgen.

What does this mean for…

The Victims

They are finally being heard and believed, but they also receive a lot of (media) attention and relive the events again. Everything that happened to them is there for everyone to read. That is difficult.

The Politics

Politicians worldwide must explain their contact with the Epsteins. This leads to investigations, public distrust, and accusations. There is a chance that some may have to resign.

The Judiciary

There are many big names in the files. It will be difficult to prove who is guilty or who knew about the crimes. These people also have a lot of power and money. The public is putting pressure on ensuring all perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of their position.

Why is this world news?

Key Concepts

Abuse

When someone deliberately does something that hurts or harms others

Justice

When something is resolved fairly and the perpetrators receive an appropriate punishment

Judiciary

The entire set of rules and processes through which justice is administered and decisions are made regarding laws and penalties

Power
The ability to influence people or situations through money or important friends

What question do you still have about this news?

Important Notice

• If you have been or are being affected by abuse it's important to tell a responsible adult you trust, which could be your teacher or tutor.

• They are legally required to inform your centre's safeguarding lead and the appropriate authorities.

• No abuser should escape justice and it's important to get the support you need.

News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events