Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Wednesday September 3, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Executive Steering Committee members met with a group of the brave survivors who traveled to Capitol Hill to share the stories of their abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. As they shared their stories, the victims asked for support of legislation to prevent sexual exploitation and called for the passage of H.Res.581 the Epstein Files Transparency Act. 

DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the below statement on the meeting:

“The horrors the brave survivors of Epstein experienced are unspeakable. We are beyond heartbroken after hearing their stories, but we will not stop at tears. We must hold Epstein and all his co-conspirators accountable, and we must change the way we treat survivors. The victims and their loved ones deserve justice and the freedom to move on. The survivors explained how painful it is to relive this trauma every day, but they can’t move forward until the files are released and their abusers are held accountable. The survivors called on Members of Congress to use their power to force the release of the files.  

We hope more of our Republican colleagues will have the same courage these survivors have shown and sign the bipartisan resolution to release the Epstein files. Epstein told his young victims that he held all the power; he had the government and banks protecting him. We must show the world that he was wrong, that we will not shield or coddle anyone who participated in these heinous acts. This is not a partisan issue, but an American issue. To my Republican colleagues, if these heartbreaking stories aren’t enough, sign the petition for your daughters and for all the women in your lives that you would want protected from pedophiles. Because it’s not just about Epstein, but about all the women and children who are trafficked, abused, sexually assaulted, and ignored in their pain. The survivors today told their stories to not only push for the Epstein files to be released, but for a better future where women and girls are believed and supported, and abusers are held accountable. 

In addition to our support for this petition, the members of DWC will also continue to work with survivors on legislation and advocacy to better protect children and women from sexual violence and trafficking, to train law enforcement, and to build a safer future for all.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, resources are available here. 

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