Paris Hilton is on a mission to protect kids from abuse, speaking out louder than ever about the horrors she endured as a teen. The star, 42, is urging the U.S. House of Representatives to act fast and pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Bill before Christmas.
Sharing Her Painful Truth
In a powerful Instagram post on Monday, Dec. 16, Paris shared an open letter aimed directly at lawmakers. She didn’t hold back. “For most of my life, I carried a deep, unspoken pain,” wrote the heiress and mom-of-two. “I thought if I stayed quiet, I could convince myself it didn’t happen. But silence doesn’t heal—it only protects the people who caused the harm.”
Speaking Out About Abuse
Paris’ message was raw and heart-wrenching. She described the abuse she says she suffered at youth treatment facilities as a teenager. “I was physically restrained, sexually abused, isolated, overmedicated, and stripped of my dignity,” she revealed. “I was told I didn’t matter, that I was the problem, and that no one would believe me—not even my family.” For years, she lived in silence, haunted by nightmares and shame. Finding her voice changed everything. “Speaking up has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said, “but it’s also been the most powerful.”
A Heartfelt Appeal to Congress
Hilton’s post came with a heartfelt caption: “Silence doesn’t heal—it protects the people that caused the harm,” followed by a brokenhearted emoji. She also appealed directly to Congress: “Think of the children who can’t speak for themselves. They’re counting on you. Let’s turn pain into purpose and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
A Personal Mission for Change
The reality star’s fight for change stems from her own harrowing experiences. Back in August 2020, Paris spoke about the “torture” she faced during her 11 months at Provo Canyon School in Utah. Her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, sent her there at 17, hoping to curb her rebellious partying.
Instead, Paris says she endured relentless abuse. Staff allegedly bullied her, made cruel remarks, and used physical force to keep the kids “too scared to disobey.” The school’s representatives have declined to comment on events that occurred before new ownership took over in August 2000.
Advocating for Survivors
Paris has since made it her life’s mission to reform youth residential treatment facilities. She’s spent years advocating for change, calling it “the most challenging and rewarding” journey of her life. Along the way, she’s met other “brave survivors” who inspire her to keep fighting.
Senate Victory, But the Fight Isn’t Over
Her efforts paid off in a big way earlier this month. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act passed unanimously in the Senate. Paris called it “one of the best moments of my life.” She credited the victory to survivors’ voices and bipartisan cooperation. “When we listen to survivors and put politics aside, we can create real, meaningful change,” she said.
A Final Push for the House
But Paris isn’t celebrating just yet. “This journey isn’t over,” she wrote. “I can’t celebrate until this bill becomes law. Now it’s up to the House of Representatives to finish what the Senate started.”
In her letter, she urged lawmakers to act quickly. “Survivors like me have carried this fight for far too long,” she said. “Now, I ask you to carry it across the finish line. Let’s make this a moment our country can be proud of—a moment when we choose to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Relentless Advocacy in Washington
Since October 2021, Paris has been traveling to Washington, D.C., every six to 10 months to push for change. Her spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that she’s been relentless in her mission. “I won’t stop fighting until change is made,” Paris declared. “This is my lifelong mission. It’s my true purpose. I will not stop being a voice for these children.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Paris Hilton’s story is heartbreaking but also inspiring. She’s proof that speaking out can spark real change. Her journey from silence to advocacy is a reminder to us all: even the darkest pain can lead to a brighter purpose. The world is watching as Congress takes its next steps. Will they listen? Time is running out, and the children are waiting.
Help Is Available
For anyone suspecting child abuse, help is available. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. Calls are confidential, toll-free, and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
