Jess Phillips Calls for Epstein Files to Drive Long-Term Reforms
Labour MP Jess Phillips has expressed fury that women and children must endure crises like the Jeffrey Epstein scandal to spur political action on violence against women and girls. As parliamentary under-secretary of state for safeguarding, she argues that the current attention on Epstein's victims should catalyze systemic change, not just temporary fixes.
Seizing Crisis Moments for Progress
Phillips notes that historically, calamities such as high-profile murders or scandals have forced institutions to address violence against women. She emphasizes that activists must never waste these opportunities, using them to build movements like #MeToo and push for legislative reforms. However, she is weary that progress often hinges on such crises, stating that women should not have to scream for change during calm times.
A Strategy for Systemic Change
When drafting Labour's violence against women and girls strategy, Phillips focused on long-term, measurable goals rather than prepackaged policies. The aim is to halve violence within a decade, a target she believes holds the government accountable and demands action across departments like police, courts, health services, and schools. She stresses that prevention is key, not just reactive measures.
Economic and Social Costs
Phillips highlights the staggering £89 billion annual socioeconomic cost of domestic abuse, excluding other forms of violence like rape and stalking. She argues that failing to address this issue undermines progress in all policy areas, from education to the economy. For instance, schools must equip pupils to handle abuse's impacts, as it can ruin life chances more than academic struggles.
Beyond Closing Loopholes
While measures like closing airport trafficking loopholes are important, Phillips insists that Epstein's victims need more: accountability for abusers, prevention of future perpetrators in classrooms, and legislation against online grooming. She also calls for robust mental health support to help victims recover and thrive.
A Commitment to Lasting Action
Phillips vows to use the current political momentum to push for greater reforms, but she demands that attention not fade after the crisis. The government's strategy must be persistent and consistent, ensuring that safeguarding efforts are not just politically expedient. She concludes that Epstein's victims deserve better, and systemic change is the only way to honor their courage.
