When convicted sexual criminal Jeffrey Epstein survived Further stepThey remember their past. They disrupt power.
His appreciation threatened to highlight the circles of the effect that flourished on silence. Each time a survivor publicly speaks – and especially if she names powerful men identified as an attacker – our culture is forced into how deep smuggling and sexual violence enters the most privileged layers of society.
This reimbursement can be seismic.
Allegations against politicians, financers or celebrities will ignite the wave of public inquiry. The reputation can be untouchable for a long time. Parallel to Harvey Venstein is clear: A man’s exposure not only topped a Hollywood legend, but also The conversation about workplace harassment in industries also resumed,
However, Epstein’s case is widespread. It is not only about a hunter, but about an alleged network that was concluded because institutions saw in another way. The testimony that highlights the demand for smuggling – men paying for access to misconduct – how the public understands sexual offenses. Instead of seeing smuggling as an issue limited to the shady corners of the society, The revelations of the survivor reveal their relationships for boardrooms, campaign donors and elite social circles,
When the remaining people speak, other people listen. Research shows that High-profile revelations can encourage victims who can otherwise shut up to come forwardFor many survivors of attacks and smuggling, the fear of mistrust or humiliation can be reduced by seeing Epstein victims breaking silence that often keeps them calm. It can change how sex crimes are reported.
Imagine a system where the remaining people feel the case of their stories, where they rely on law enforcement and prosecutors will hear, and where the media attention is highlighted instead of deformities. Survivor testimony can normalize sexual offenses, reduce stigma and promote accountability within the justice system. But when the speakers are ignored, the infamous or retraims is vice versa. Fear and stigma increases. The option to remain silent becomes existence.
There is a responsibility of media and legal system: to ensure that the remaining people are not punished for their courage, rather empowered by it.
Social media has provided unprecedented opportunities to the remaining people to speak. However, these are similar platforms AidEpstein’s name has become a weapon for biased stories, the voice of the remaining people often sink from speculation about lists, cover-ups and shady groups.
This fog of misinformation is dangerous. When the smuggling is designed as a political conspiracy or the point of culture-war, the survivors are at risk of being detectives in an ideological battle rather than being recognized as reliable witnesses. Potential victims may hesitate to come forward, fearing that they would not believe – or worse, that their pain will be kidnapped to someone else’s agenda.
Result? silence. Inaccuracy. And deep erosion of public belief in justice.
Epstein case said how criminal justice system is investigated. Many times, avoid sexual violence Experience secondary hunting when they want justice – Through mistrust, aggressive inquiries or systems that prefer institutional reputation on truth.
If the courage of the survivors of Epstein is more than the fleeting headlines, then the real change should be followed.
It begins with training law enforcement in trauma-informed practices. Officers should be able to identify signs of smuggling and conduct interviews in ways that do not revive people they consider for safety. Without this training, the system damages the compounds.
There is equally important court protection. The survivors coming forward should not face further prey during legal processes. The shield law, options for confidential testimony and the stable appearance of the aggrieved advocates can help you feel safe and supported.
But justice does not end with a decision. The survivors need long -term resources, such as stable housing, mental health care and job training, to really rebuild their lives. Otherwise, the system considers them nothing more than witnesses of crime rather than individuals with permanent needs.
Finally, the accountability should reach beyond the low-level enablers. The validity of the system depends on the desire to face people with power and wealth, who made funded, convenient for misuse or blocked their eyes. As long as we address every level of complexity, from recruitments to billionaires, we risk a lot of silence that allows Epstein’s crimes to flourish.
The survivors of Epstein are fighting not only for their dignity but also for the future of every victim, deciding whether to move forward tomorrow. His courage challenges us to answer a fundamental question: Do we give importance to the truth more than power?
If they are heard, believed and preserved, then the survivors of smuggling and rape everywhere will know that the system can work for them. But if they are silenced, harassed or dismissed, we send a chilling message – it is conditional, depending on who is your addict.
The world is watching. These remaining people have already tolerated unimaginable losses. By speaking out, they provide us something extraordinary: the opportunity to cope with the systems that allow that loss. The question is whether we are brave enough to hear – and whether our justice system is ready to work.
His courage should not only inspire us. It should be embarrassed in building a system that in the end saves on the promise of justice.
Catherine is the President of Lavari Department and Professor of Criminal Justice and Security at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Paes University.
