Content Warning: grooming, domestic violence, physical violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse, and sex trafficking.

In these two episodes we feature Marina Lacerda, a survivor and mother from Brazil. In her youth, she immigrated to New York with her mother in hopes of forging a new life. Almost immediately, Marina would begin to face sexual and physical violence that normalized a long cycle of abuse. By the time she was 14, Marina would be introduced to Jeffrey Epstein, a man that seemed to symbolize success and wealth, but only added to her trauma. Eventually, Marina would play a part in both of the FBI’s attempts at justice in 2008 and 2019, when during the latter, she would be dubbed, “Minor Victim 1.” Marina’s journey is a testament to the impact of the cycle of abuse, but it also is a testament to her personal resilience and strength. The Broken Cycle Media team is incredibly honored she was willing to share her story with our audience, and continues to be transparent about her healing journey in the name of advocacy.

Marina's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/marinalacerdaforsurvivors/

Sources:

Chappell, Bill. “Jeffrey Epstein Files: Tracing the Legal Cases That Led to Sex-Trafficking Charges.” NPR, NPR, 25 July 2025, www.npr.org/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5478620/jeffrey-epstein-crimes-timeline-legal-case

Diaz, Jaclyn. “Jeffrey Epstein’s Former Prosecutors Used ‘poor Judgment’ in Deal, Doj Says.” NPR, NPR, 12 Nov. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/11/12/934265386/jeffrey-epsteins-former-prosecutors-used-poor-judgment-in-deal-doj-says

Sardarizadeh, Shayan. “Details of Jeffrey Epstein Post-Mortem Released in Latest Files.” BBC News, BBC, 4 Feb. 2026, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2y33q8l1qo

Sisak, Michael R., and David B. Caruso. “At Least 16 Files Disappear from DOJ Site for Epstein Documents, Including Trump Photo.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 20 Dec. 2025, www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/at-least-16-files-disappear-from-doj-site-for-epstein-documents-including-trump-photo

For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources