Together for Girls and the Brave Movement unequivocally condemn the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adolescents revealed in the Epstein case. These crimes are horrific, and they were enabled by silence, complicity, and the protection of power over children.
Sexual violence against children is not rare. It is hidden. Again and again, across families, institutions, and systems worldwide, the same pattern emerges: allegations are dismissed or buried, perpetrators are shielded, and children are left unprotected.
Together for Girls and the Brave Movement are clear: allegations of sexual abuse of children and teenagers must be taken seriously. Silencing victims and survivors protects perpetrators — not children.
We call on governments, institutions, and leaders to end this silence. This means conducting independent investigations, holding perpetrators and enablers accountable, listening to survivors so lived experience shapes policy, protecting victims and survivors from retraumatization, and reforming laws — including abolishing statutes of limitation — so justice is possible when survivors are ready.
Survivors have shown extraordinary courage by speaking out. Now the responsibility lies with those in power to act to refuse impunity, to confront systems that enable abuse, and to ensure those who come forward are believed, protected, and can pursue justice.
This moment is not only about one case. It is about whether we will finally break a pattern that has repeated across generations — or allow silence to continue doing harm.