The Pseudonym System
In sexual assault and trafficking cases, survivors frequently use pseudonyms Jane Doe, or simple first names to protect their privacy in court proceedings. The Epstein cases employed these protections extensively.
Federal Practice
Federal courts routinely grant trafficking and sexual assault victims the right to proceed under pseudonyms. The legal standard balances the public’s right to open proceedings against the victim’s safety and privacy interests.
The Maxwell Trial Names
At the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, the four survivor witnesses testified under the names: Jane, Kate, Carolyn, and Annie Farmer (who used her real name). The use of simple pseudonyms rather than numbered Jane Does reflected agreement with the court.
Virginia Giuffre’s Different Choice
Virginia Giuffre chose to be publicly identified by name. Her choice to be identified unusual among trafficking survivors was a deliberate act of advocacy and was personally costly in terms of ongoing public exposure and harassment.
The Harm of Forced Identification
Involuntary identification of trafficking survivors causes real harm: it deters future victims from coming forward, can expose survivors to harassment and retaliation, and violates their right to control their own stories.