Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes included offenses against children, yet the focus diverted to celebrity, money, and politics. The necessary discussion on child sexual abuse was overshadowed. Elizabeth J. Letourneau, PhD, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, expresses her anger over this oversight. In a podcast with Newsweek’s Parting Shot, she discussed her book One in Five: Why Child Sexual Abuse Is Our Biggest Public Health Crisis and What We Can Do to Stop It, co-authored with journalist Luke Malone. Letourneau highlighted the lack of coverage treating Epstein’s case as child sexual abuse.

The book title refers to a staggering statistic: one in five children experiences sexual abuse before 18. This alarming figure underscores the book’s argument that child sexual abuse should be viewed as a public health crisis, not merely a crime story. Malone emphasizes how prevalent this issue is. Surprisingly, up to 70% of these offenses involve another child, not an adult predator, according to Malone.

The most common reasons kids engage in these behaviors are absolute ignorance. They do not know better. They do not understand consent.

Letourneau stresses that most first-time offenses remain isolated incidents. Among those under 18 convicted of a sex crime, less than 3% reoffend. This insight forms the basis of the book, arguing that child sexual abuse is preventable through education.

Letourneau and Malone urge parents to begin discussions on this topic with children. Malone suggests these talks can prevent abuse, stressing the need for conversations rather than warnings.

The role of social media in this issue is significant. While the internet connects and educates, it also presents risks for children. Letourneau notes that each new technological advancement has neglected safety aspects. Malone discusses peer-on-peer abuse, often overlooked, occurring in digital exchanges where young people share explicit content.

Letourneau advocates for timing discussions correctly. Schools usually address abuse prevention in early grades, but shy away as kids explore relationships. She recommends these crucial talks occur as children begin interacting online.

The broader cultural context is also important. Malone highlights how dangerous activities might occur online, but parents can intervene by guiding children about trust and privacy when sharing personal content.

Letourneau is outraged at how the Epstein scandal was portrayed. The focus on Epstein’s celebrity allowed institutions and individuals who facilitated the crimes to evade scrutiny. This lack of accountability diminishes victims’ voices and perpetuates harmful myths about abuse. Malone adds that most abuse occurs in familiar environments—not on yachts or islands—but in homes and schools.

The book suggests combating these issues by addressing societal norms. Letourneau discusses the harmful sexualization of young girls and the dismissal of boys who experience sexual harm. She calls for a challenge to cultural norms and a reevaluation of how we discuss young people’s behaviors.

Malone emphasizes that societal changes can reduce abuse. Men, in particular, need to hold each other accountable for inappropriate behavior. Social pressure can be an effective tool.

In conclusion, Letourneau and Malone advocate for open dialogues about child sexual abuse. They stress that the problem affects many and starts at home with informed conversations. Their book is intended to empower parents and communities to take preventive steps.