The Epstein Case Is Not an Exception. It Is a Reflection.

From the DARCC Education Department

Last week, I was in a meeting when someone asked me a question I have been hearing more and more lately: “What are you saying about the Epstein case when people ask you about it?” 

It was a thoughtful question. The Epstein case has returned to headlines following the release of millions of pages of records and continued public conversation. Many people are trying to make sense of what happened, how it happened, and what it means. 

There are three things I find myself returning to when I talk about this case. 

First, the behavior of offenders can be difficult to understand 

One of the most common reactions people have is disbelief. How could someone exploit and abuse so many young people, for so long, without being stopped? 

People want an explanation that makes it easier to understand. Sexual violence, especially at this scale, can feel incomprehensible. It challenges assumptions people have about safety, accountability, and the systems that are supposed to protect others. 

In this work, we see that abuse is often connected to access, opportunity, and power. Offenders create environments where harm can continue, and systems do not always respond as quickly or effectively as they should. The scale of this case is large. The patterns behind it are familiar. 

Second, offenders are often people who are trusted 

There is a quote from violence prevention educator Jackson Katz that captures this reality: “Perpetrators aren’t individual monsters; they are people reflecting a system.” 

Many people grow up believing that those who cause harm are strangers, easily identifiable, and separate from our communities. Reality is more complicated. 

People who cause harm are often trusted. They may have wealth, influence, professional status, or social credibility. They may be respected, connected, and given access to spaces where others assume safety. 

Jeffrey Epstein was trusted in powerful spaces. He was connected to institutions, influential individuals, and systems that gave him credibility and access. This allowed harm to continue for years.This is one of the hardest truths to confront. Abuse does not always come from someone outside our communities. It often comes from within them. 

For those of us who work alongside survivors, this reality is not surprising. We see every day how power, influence, and trust can shape whether someone is believed and whether accountability happens. 

Third, survivors continue to lead the push for accountability 

The most important part of this story is the role of survivors. 

This case continued forward because survivors spoke up. Survivors told their stories. Survivors pursued accountability. Survivors continued advocating even when systems were slow to respond. 

Recently, several Epstein survivors attended the State of the Union as guests of members of Congress. Their presence served as a visible reminder that behind every headline are real people whose lives were impacted.Many survivors were not in that room. Survivors continue to live their lives, heal, work, raise families, and move forward in ways that may never be publicly visible. 

This work consistently reinforces something important. Survivors are not defined by what happened to them. 

Survivors are resilient. 

Survivors are leaders, advocates, parents, students, professionals, and community members. Survivors continue to create meaningful lives, relationships, and change. Survivors’ voices have been central to bringing accountability in this case, and their advocacy continues to shape public awareness and systemic change. 

What this means for our community 

The Epstein case has prompted renewed conversations about power, accountability, and transparency. The release of millions of pages of records has raised questions and reinforced the importance of systems that respond to harm appropriately. 

This case is not an exception. It reflects patterns that exist across communities, institutions, and systems. Sexual violence can occur in environments where there is trust, access, and power. This reality reinforces why survivor support, prevention education, and community awareness are essential. 

At the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, we remain committed to supporting survivors, educating our community, and working toward prevention and systemic change. Survivors deserve to be believed. Survivors deserve support. Survivors deserve accountability. 

Cases like this can feel distant or extraordinary. For survivors and those who work alongside them, they reinforce the importance of continuing this work every day. This case is not just about one individual. It is a reflection of the systems, power, and trust that shape our communities, and a reminder of the importance of believing survivors and continuing to advocate for change. 

Sources: DOJ press release (Jan. 30, 2026): Department of Justice publishes 3.5 million responsive pages https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-publishes-35-million-responsive-pages-compliance-epstein-files 

 NPR (Feb. 24, 2026): Epstein files, missing records, and related reporting https://www.npr.org/2026/02/24/nx-s1-5723968/epstein-files-trump-accusation-maxwell 

PBS NewsHour segment: Investigation reveals DOJ withheld Epstein files mentioning Trump https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/investigation-reveals-doj-withheld-epstein-files-mentioning-trump 

 PBS NewsHour https://www.pbs.org/newshour/tag/epstein-files 

 CNN (Feb. 24, 2026): Epstein files, accuser claims, and missing-files reporting https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/24/us/epstein-files-trump-accuser-missing-files-invs 

 CNN live updates (Jan. 30, 2026): Epstein files release https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/epstein-files-release-doj-01-30-26 

 Axios (Jan. 30, 2026): Epstein files release overview https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/epstein-files-release-january-trump-clinton 

 The Guardian (Feb. 2, 2026): New Jeffrey Epstein files key takeawayshttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/new-jeffrey-epstein-files-key-takeaways 

 Newsweek: Missing Epstein files update and DOJ response https://www.newsweek.com/jeffrey-epstein-missing-files-update-doj-trump-bondi-11583699 

 MSN: DOJ gives update on missing Epstein files https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/doj-gives-update-on-missing-epstein-files/ar-AA1X5b1U 

 USA Today (Feb. 24, 2026): Epstein survivors at the State of the Unionhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/24/epstein-survivors-state-of-the-union/88832279007/ 

 NBC News: Epstein survivors still identifiable in document dump, attorneys say https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/epstein-survivors-still-identifiable-document-dump-doj-promises-attorn-rcna257485