In the ongoing saga of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scandal, survivors and their legal representatives continue to battle for transparency and accountability. On December 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a new batch of Epstein-related files, but the disclosure has been met with sharp criticism from victims’ advocates. Attorney Jack Scarola, who represents multiple Epstein survivors, likened the process to “water torture for the victims,” emphasizing how the slow, piecemeal release prolongs their suffering without delivering meaningful justice.
Scarola argues that the heavy redactions in the latest documents are “absolutely unjustified,” shielding potential co-conspirators while forcing survivors to relive their trauma in a drawn-out quest for closure. This partial release comes amid revelations that over a million additional documents have been uncovered by Manhattan prosecutors, yet only fragments are being made public. Survivors like Danielle Bensky express deep frustration, pointing to hundreds of thousands of unreleased pages that could expose clear violations of law. Bensky demands full transparency, with redactions limited only to protect victims’ identities, and immediate access to all files for those affected.
Another survivor, Marina Lacerda—identified as “Minor Victim 1” in Epstein’s 2019 indictment—called the DOJ’s gradual rollout “another slap in the face.” She highlighted missed deadlines and perceived obstruction, accusing the department of prioritizing powerful figures, including mentions of former President Trump in the new batch. Lacerda and others allege DOJ legal violations, demanding congressional oversight and lawsuits to enforce full disclosure.
This endless drip-feed of information not only delays justice but re-traumatizes victims who have waited years for accountability. Scarola stresses that true resolution requires unredacted releases to hold all enablers accountable, from billionaires to government officials. As advocates push for complete transparency by midnight deadlines, the fight underscores a broader failure to prioritize survivors over institutional secrecy. For Epstein’s victims, the latest developments feel less like progress and more like perpetual torment in their pursuit of long-overdue justice.
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