Finding Stillness in the Storm: Caring for Yourself During the Epstein News Cycle
By Ash Miller Executive Director, The Cupcake Girls
Over the last several months, our news feeds have been dominated by the release of the "Epstein Files." From the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed late last year to the recent unsealing of hundreds of gigabytes of data, the headlines are relentless. For many, this is a moment of long-awaited accountability. But for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual violence, these headlines aren't just "news." They are echoes of personal trauma played out on a global stage.
At The Cupcake Girls, we provide confidential, nonjudgmental support to those in the sex industry and those affected by sex trafficking. We know that when the public discourse turns into a "political football," as it has recently, the actual humans at the center of the story, the survivors, can feel invisible or, worse, re-exposed.
The recent failures in government redactions, which unintentionally leaked the names of over 40 victims, have added a layer of digital unsafety to an already heavy situation. If you are feeling overwhelmed, triggered, or "stuck" in this news cycle, please know that your reaction is a normal response to an abnormal situation.
Here is how you can prioritize your peace while the world watches the storm. These tips apply to survivors AND to anyone else feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or unsure of how to proceed as more information comes to public attention.
1. Curate Your Digital Borders
We live in a 24-hour news cycle, but you do not owe the news 24 hours of your attention.
Set a "News Window": Limit yourself to 15 minutes of updates a day, or skip it entirely. You do not need to be an expert on every leaked document to be a valid survivor.
Mute Keywords: You can use social media settings to filter out words like "Epstein," "trafficking," or "Maxwell." This creates a digital "safe room" where you can breathe.
Remember: You do not have to watch to care. Your healing is more important than staying "informed" on every political development.
2. Return to the Body
Trauma often lives in the body, making us feel disconnected or "floaty." When the news cycle pulls you into the past, try these grounding techniques to bring yourself back to 2026.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.
Sensory Anchors: Keep something textured (like a crystal or a piece of velvet) or a specific scent (like lavender or peppermint) nearby to help "snap" your nervous system back to the present.
3. Seek "Sex-Work Informed" Support
Many traditional spaces don't quite understand the nuance of the sex industry or the complexities of high-profile trafficking cases. Unsure where to turn? Send us an email or DM on Instagram.
Peer Support: Connection with others who truly "get it" can be the best antidote to the isolation that can accompany trauma.
Professional Care: If you find yourself unable to sleep or experiencing intrusive thoughts, reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist is a sign of strength, not a setback.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
The legal battles in the U.S. Senate and the UN Human Rights Council are outside of your control. What you can control is your immediate environment.
Basic Needs: Are you hydrated? Have you eaten today? Are you taking time to rest?
Joy as Resistance: In a world focused on the "sordid" details of exploitation, choosing to do something that makes you laugh or feel creative is a powerful act of reclaiming your life.
You Are Not Alone
The courage shown by the survivors who advocated for these files to be released—like those who visited the U.S. Capitol last November is incredible… And you don't have to be a public advocate to be courageous. Surviving the day is enough.
If you need a safe place to land, The Cupcake Girls are here. We offer referral services, advocacy, and a community that sees you for who you are, not what you’ve been through.
Resources for Immediate Support:
The Cupcake Girls: thecupcakegirls.org
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733.
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741.
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." - Audrey Lorde