02/13/2026
Many people are feeling dysregulated by the recent release of the Epstein files and the intense media coverage around sexual abuse and exploitation. Research on vicarious trauma and media exposure to trauma shows that simply reading or watching repeated accounts of abuse can stir up anxiety, hyper-vigilance, grief, or numbness, especially for those with prior experiences of sexual violence. If you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed, it doesn’t mean you’re “too sensitive” – it means your nervous system is responding to very real material.
For those who want some grounded, evidence‑informed guidance on how to navigate sexual violence in the news and support your own regulation, this (albeit dated) APA resource offers concrete coping strategies and crisis contacts:
Steps to help you cope with distress from sexual violence in the news.