Here’s Paris Hilton’s heartbreaking testimony for Strengthening Child Welfare hearing on child abuse

Hilton recounted how she was "ripped" from her bed at 16 and taken to youth residential treatment facilities.

Paris Hilton vows to “not stop until America’s youth are safe,” in a heartfelt testimony against abuse in residential treatment facilities.

On June 26, the 43-year-old reality TV star testified at the "Strengthening Child Welfare and Protecting America’s Children" hearing in the Longworth House Office Building.

“While my experience was not through the foster care system, I know from personal experience the harm that is caused by being placed in youth residential treatment facilities,” Hilton shared, recounting how she was "ripped" from her bed at 16 and taken to the first of four such facilities.

“I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by staff. I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement,” Hilton continued.

“My parents were completely deceived — lied to and manipulated by this for-profit industry. So can you only imagine the experience for youth who don’t have anyone checking in on them?” the mother of two questioned. 

Hilton has been actively lobbying at the Capitol for reforms in the residential treatment facility sector. In 2021, she supported legislation to create a bill of rights for teens in congregate care. Last year in Washington, she collaborated with bipartisan lawmakers to advance the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act.

“I am here to be the voice for children who currently do not have one, while this committee has the responsibility to move bipartisan solutions forward to protect them,” she informed lawmakers on Wednesday.

“For children who do end up in foster care, we cannot allow them to grow up in cold facilities that act like kid prisons,” she continued. “The treatment these children have had to endure is criminal. These kids deserve to grow up in safe, family-centered environments.”

“If you are a child in the system, hear my words: I see you, I believe you, I know what you’re going through and I’m not giving up on you,” Hilton declared. “You are important, your future is important, and you deserve every opportunity to be safe and supported.”