Survivors’ Voices Central in Discourse on Epstein Files

The recent episodes of “On the Issues with Michele Goodwin” have shifted the focus of the ongoing discourse surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files, emphasizing the voices of female survivors rather than sensationalist narratives. On September 3, 2025, a rally was held at the U.S. Capitol, organized by World Without Exploitation, which brought together victims, their families, and supporters alongside members of Congress. At the heart of the discussion was the urgent need to center the experiences of those most affected by Epstein’s actions.

The coverage of the Epstein files often overlooks the survivors, creating a distorted view of sexual violence. Michele Goodwin, the executive producer and host of the series, aims to rectify this by highlighting how the sensationalism surrounding the Epstein case can misrepresent the reality of sexual violence.

Goodwin stated, “For a long time, I was a little bit allergic to the Epstein story… What you learn doing that work is that most sexual violence does not occur in this realm of shadowy conspiracy.” She emphasizes that these acts frequently happen in seemingly ordinary settings among people who know each other. By bringing attention to these realities, Goodwin aims to demystify sexual violence and make it clear that it is more common than many realize.

The rally featured prominent survivors such as Teresa Helm and attorney Sigrid McCawley, who has represented many victims, including Virginia Giuffre. Helm shared her own account of sexual assault and discussed the psychological toll it takes on survivors, highlighting that sexual assault survivors experience higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder than even combat veterans.

Michaels, another survivor featured in the series, pointed out that the current discourse around PTSD often neglects the unique experiences of sexual assault survivors. She proposed a path forward that focuses on community support rather than solely on legal repercussions. This approach aims to reduce stigma and shame while improving access to resources for survivors.

As the discourse surrounding the Epstein files continues, it is essential to prioritize the voices of those who have suffered from sexual violence. Listening to survivors can help transition the conversation from sensationalism to solutions that address their needs and experiences.

The rally and the ongoing series serve as a reminder that the stories of survivors are not merely background noise in the larger narrative, but rather the focal point that can lead to meaningful change in how society addresses sexual violence. By centering survivors, we can better understand the complexities of their experiences and work towards a more supportive environment for all who have been harmed.