In a heartfelt and powerful testimony, Paris Hilton recently addressed the American Congress, sharing her traumatic experiences as a teenager in various therapeutic and residential institutions. Hilton, known for her advocacy for child welfare, recounted the severe physical and mental abuse she endured, which included being force-fed drugs, sexually abused by staff, and subjected to solitary confinement.
Hilton's testimony was part of a discussion before the House Ways and Means Committee aimed at strengthening the American child welfare system. She described how she was forcibly taken from her bed at the age of 16 and placed in four different institutions over two years. These institutions, she revealed, were profit-driven and provided inhumane treatment, deceiving her parents about the true nature of their care.
Highlighting the multibillion-dollar industry behind these programs, Hilton emphasized that these facilities prioritize profits over children's safety. She pointed out that they often employ unqualified staff who are not properly vetted, leading to further endangerment of the youth in their care.
Hilton's advocacy is not new; she has been vocal about the need for legislative changes to protect children in therapeutic institutions. In 2021, she supported a bill of rights for children in these facilities. Now, as a mother herself, Hilton is even more determined to ensure that no child has to endure the horrors she faced. She called on legislators to reauthorize funding for child welfare and pass laws to prevent abuse in children's institutions.
- Hilton's personal journey of healing began when she returned home to New York at 18. For years, she remained silent about her traumatic experiences, only breaking her silence in 2020 with the release of her documentary 'This Is Paris.' In the film, she expressed her shame and reluctance to revisit the painful memories.
- On social media, Hilton continues to champion the cause, sharing her commitment to fight for the safety of children. She has posted videos of her advocacy efforts, including appearances at various legislative hearings and demonstrations. Her resolve to be a voice for the voiceless remains steadfast as she balances her new role as a mother to two children born via surrogacy.
- Hilton's testimony and ongoing activism highlight the urgent need for reforms in the child welfare system. By sharing her story, she hopes to shed light on the abuses within these institutions and inspire legislative action to protect vulnerable youth.
