Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s vast sex-trafficking network are once again facing a familiar foe: a justice system they say has failed them. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Friday it would not meet the legally mandated deadline to release its complete files on the case, sparking outrage and threats of legal action from lawmakers.

This delay strikes at the heart of a long and painful battle for transparency. The partial release of documents violates the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, which required the full disclosure by December 19. For many, this failure is not just a bureaucratic delay, but another betrayal in a nearly two-decade struggle for accountability.

A Promise Broken

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged the missed deadline, stating that hundreds of thousands more documents are still under review and would be released over the coming weeks. The department cited the sheer volume of material and the need to redact sensitive information—including the names of over 1,200 identified victims and their relatives—as the reason for the delay.

But for those who have fought for years to bring the secrets of Epstein's powerful network into the light, these explanations ring hollow. Spencer Kuvin, an attorney for several survivors, noted that the foot-dragging was "no great surprise."

"These young women have been lied to and repeatedly denied justice by a system that was meant to protect them," Kuvin stated, emphasizing that the public must demand greater accountability.

The Fight for Accountability

The sentiment was echoed by veteran lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents more than 20 survivors and told news outlets the DOJ had repeatedly failed the victims. The partial release, which included thousands of photos but also heavily redacted or entirely blacked-out documents, has only deepened suspicions.

The political fallout was immediate. Top lawmakers, including the bipartisan sponsors of the transparency act, accused the Justice Department of violating federal law and are now exploring legal options to force compliance. While the law itself contains no penalties for non-compliance, the defiance has ignited a political firestorm.

While most advocates expressed frustration, the release did provide a measure of validation for at least one survivor, who said she felt "redeemed" by the documents that have emerged so far. It's a small crack of light in a story that, for many, remains shrouded in darkness and institutional failure.