As the media circus fixates on the latest Jeffrey Epstein headlines, the public’s attention is gripped by tales of high-profile figures and potential cover-ups. Yet, the true victims, the hundreds of girls abused and trafficked, remain almost whispers in the background. This is not just about a few wealthy and influential men; it's a glaring spotlight on a pervasive societal plague – the systemic and institutional sexual abuse of children.

The narrative is often hijacked by political spectacle rather than the substance of the crimes themselves. Headlines such as “DOJ Says There Is No Epstein Client List” and “Loomer Warns Epstein Could ‘Consume’ Trump Presidency” dominate, yet fail to focus on the real issue at hand. The stories of the survivors are lost amid the noise of conspiracy theories and political machinations.

This is far from just a high-profile anomaly. Institutions across America, from the Catholic Church to USA Gymnastics, have been implicated in similar scandals, pointing to a widespread culture of silence and complicity that allows such abuse to flourish. The Boy Scouts of America, various religious organizations, and numerous educational institutions have all been found to have hidden such abuses to protect their reputations rather than the children in their care.

Our political and legal systems continue to lag, offering tepid responses to what is a raging public health emergency. Proposals for meaningful reform, such as ending statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse and mandating stringent oversight of youth-serving institutions, are met with resistance or passive acknowledgment without action. Meanwhile, survivors are left waiting for justice and protection that comes too late – if at all.

The statistics are staggering and paint a grim picture of the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse. One in four girls and one in thirteen boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, with profound consequences that can last a lifetime. Beyond the immense personal toll, this epidemic imposes heavy burdens on public health systems and economic structures due to lost productivity and the costs of care for survivors.

Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence and the clear societal imperative to act, child sexual abuse remains a low priority on the political agenda. The focus tends to shift quickly, swept away by other pressing news or drowned out by the cacophony of the latest political scandal. This must change.

It is time for a robust national response. We need comprehensive legislative reform that includes eliminating barriers to justice for survivors, such as the statutes of limitations, and enforcing strict accountability measures for institutions that fail to protect children. Transparency, oversight, and preventive measures must be the pillars upon which we build a safer future for our children.

As the Epstein saga continues to unfold, let it not just be another story of scandal and intrigue. Let it be the catalyst for real change, a wake-up call that we can no longer afford to ignore. The protection of our children must be paramount, transcending political lines and personal discomfort. The cost of inaction is too great, and the time for that action is now.