Stand with Survivors. Believe Survivors.

Katrina Massey and Dr. Felicia Rosario at the rally in Washington, D.C. to support the survivors of Jeffery Epstein

This month I had the honor to stand side by side and support the survivors exploited by Jeffery Epstein. Like many survivors, their voices have not been heard and their pain overlooked.

Attending the rally was important to me because like many exploiters, Epstein used a mix of

psychological, social, financial, and even legal tactics to keep their victims silent.

Breaking this silence, as we saw with Epstein survivors in D.C., is why collective action and

transparency are so powerful. Led by survivors like Anouska de Georgiou, Lisa Phillips, Marina, Courtney Wild, Liz Stein, Jess Michaels, and Haley Robson, their unified message was clear: “Release the files.” Along with fellow Board Member, Dr. Felicia Rosario, we were joined with other trafficking survivors, allies, and organizations, such as, World Without Exploitation, PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), Empowered Network, and many others.

People may wonder, “Why are these files important?”

Healing through visibility. Public acknowledgment of wrongdoing can validate

survivors’ experiences and contribute to healing. As Haley Robson said, “This bill…

would be a huge component of healing for me… we need answers.” For most survivors

of trafficking, the hardest part isn’t just the abuse, it’s the silence that follows. Systems

often disbelieve or dismiss their stories. Healing begins when the truth is recognized.

Prevention of future abuse. Lifting the veil of secrecy may prevent future predators from exploiting systems. Trafficking thrives in the shadows. Exploiters count on secrecy,

stigma, and systemic failures to keep their operations going. When Epstein was allowed

to move freely and powerful people protected him, it sent a chilling message: predators

can get away with it.

Releasing the files means pulling back the curtain. It’s not just about one man, it’s about

making sure future traffickers cannot hide behind money, influence, or institutions.

Survivors everywhere can relate to that urgency, because prevention is the difference

between another life stolen or spared.

Accountability and justice Files can expose how Epstein's network operated and who

was complicit or turned a blind eye. That demand for accountability mirrors what

survivors across the world want: not just justice against their traffickers, but

accountability for the systems that failed them.

Trafficking doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with broader societal

issues and systematic failures. It is not an isolated crime.

A Moment of Strength, Not Victimhood

Katrina and Felicia are both survivors of trafficking who are advocates of surviovor rights and work with legislators, corporations, and communities to prevent trafficking and gender based violence.

What happened earlier this month wasn't just a political flashpoint; it was a reclamation of

power. Liz Stein put it poignantly: “We’re in a sorority that none of us asked to join, but today,

stronger together, our collective voice is powerful.” There’s so much power in collective action.

To know that you are not alone.

When survivors support survivors, whether in courtrooms, at rallies, or in the halls of Congress,

they chip away at the culture of silence that has protected exploiters for far too long.

About the Author:

Having been exploited in the commercial sex industry as a teenager in Atlanta and New York to becoming a real estate broker and restauranteur of several ventures managing over $6 million annually, Katrina Massey has used her experiences to inspire professionals and the lives of youth affected by sex-trafficking to find balance, inspiration, and progression beyond trauma and experiences that affect personal growth.

Katrina began in the movement as a victim’s advocate and expert speaker on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). She is often tapped by government entities, law enforcement, social service agencies, juvenile court systems, and families to inform treatment services, facilitate training, and create awareness; her insight has proven invaluable. 

As a Restauranteur and Entrepreneur, Katrina has partnered with numerous ventures, employed survivors, and implemented mentorship programs. She has used her experience and expertise to create opportunities for survivors, giving them a glimpse of the possibilities beyond their trauma.

For nearly twenty years, her knowledge and expertise have impacted changes in laws on the local and national front. Katrina's partnerships include Homeland Security's Blue Campaign, Sanctuary for Families, CATW, Runaway Girl, and others.  Being of service is her passion. In all she does, she leads with compassion.