The Justice Department’s recent release of over 3 million pages related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes has sparked outrage, not because of what it revealed about the powerful men involved, but because of how it exposed survivors. The files, released on January 30th, contained unredacted personal information – including email addresses and nude photographs – identifying victims who had previously chosen to remain anonymous, often to protect themselves from harassment or further trauma.
The Core Problem: Prioritizing Secrecy Over Safety
The DOJ’s handling of the release demonstrates a clear bias. While aggressively protecting the identities of Epstein’s associates, it failed to extend the same consideration to those he abused. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche admitted “mistakes are inevitable” and offered a tip line for reporting errors, but survivors and advocates call this a dismissive response to a deeply harmful breach.
“As survivors, we should never be the ones named, scrutinized and retraumatized while Epstein’s enablers continue to benefit from secrecy.”
The damage is irreversible. Once victims’ names and images are public, they remain exposed, risking harassment, intimidation, and further emotional harm. The release violates privacy rights and disregards rape shield laws designed to protect survivors in legal proceedings.
A Pattern of Institutional Silencing
This isn’t an isolated error; it reflects a broader pattern of the DOJ prioritizing the protection of powerful individuals over the safety of victims. As Ohio State University professor Leigh Gilmore argues, this is a case of “managed visibility,” where carefully curated information is released to protect abusers while exposing those they harmed.
The fact that Epstein, arguably the most notorious trafficker in history, operated with impunity for years and that none of his co-conspirators have faced significant consequences reinforces the message that silence is safer than seeking justice. Mental health counselor Kathryn Stamoulis highlights this: “Our country does not care about victims of sexual abuse.”
The DOJ’s actions aren’t just administrative failures; they are systemic. By publishing victims’ names and photos, the government re-traumatizes survivors and reinforces the power dynamics that allowed Epstein to operate for so long. The elite impunity enjoyed by his associates remains intact, while those he abused continue to suffer the consequences.
Ultimately, the flawed release of the Epstein files underscores a disturbing truth: accountability for the powerful is often sacrificed at the expense of those they harm.
