Paris Hilton, a high-profile advocate for child welfare reform, has intensified her efforts to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, a bill aimed at preventing abuse in youth residential treatment facilities. The legislation, which unanimously passed the Senate last week, now faces a critical vote in the U.S. House of Representatives before the 118th Congress adjourns for the holiday break.
In an open letter shared on social media Monday, Hilton urged lawmakers to prioritize the bill, which seeks to protect vulnerable children from the types of abuse she says she experienced as a teenager. "For most of my life, I carried a deep, unspoken pain," Hilton wrote. "But silence doesn't heal-it only protects the people that caused the harm."
The bill addresses longstanding issues within youth treatment facilities, including allegations of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Hilton has been a vocal proponent of reform, sharing her own story of mistreatment during an 11-month stay at Utah's Provo Canyon School when she was 17.
Hilton described her time at the school as "continuous torture," alleging she was physically restrained, overmedicated, isolated, and subjected to verbal abuse. "I was told I didn't matter, that I was the problem, and no one would believe me if I spoke up-not even my family," she revealed.
The heiress and businesswoman has spent years advocating for change, meeting with lawmakers and fellow survivors. She has traveled to Washington every six to ten months since 2021 to lobby for reforms targeting youth residential facilities.
When the Senate passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act unanimously on December 11, Hilton described it as "one of the best moments of my life." She added, "It was proof that when we listen to survivors and put politics aside, we can create real, meaningful change."
However, Hilton emphasized that the fight is far from over. In her letter to the House, she wrote, "Survivors like me have carried this fight for far too long. Now, I ask you to carry it across the finish line." She urged lawmakers to consider the children who cannot speak for themselves and to act decisively to protect them.
The bill aims to establish federal oversight of youth treatment facilities, many of which have been accused of neglect and abuse. It also seeks to improve transparency and accountability in these institutions.
Hilton's advocacy has drawn widespread attention, with President-elect Trump also acknowledging her efforts. "I won't stop fighting until change is made," Hilton told ABC News. "This is my lifelong mission and I really believe it's my true purpose in life."
The issue of child abuse in residential facilities has gained increased scrutiny in recent years, with survivors and advocates calling for systemic reforms. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act represents a significant step toward addressing these concerns and ensuring safer environments for vulnerable youth.
With only days remaining in the legislative session, the bill's fate now lies in the hands of the House of Representatives. If passed, it will head to President Biden's desk for final approval.
