Reality TV star and socialite Paris Hilton has told a US congressional committee that her school experiences left her with "severe post-traumatic stress disorder" after alleged sexual abuse.
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The 43-year-old alleged in 2020 that she had been subjected to "verbal, physical, emotional and psychological" torture whilst a student at Provo Canyon - a psychiatric youth facility in Utah.
She recalled being "sexually abused" and "force-fed medications" as she testified about the abuse children experience in the US' welfare systems.
In her opening statement to Congress, Hilton said: "I know from personal experience the harm that is caused by being placed in youth residential treatment facilities...
"It has caused me severe post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma that I will have for the rest of my life."
Hilton said she was "ripped" from her bed at 16 and taken to the Utah school to be rehabilitated for her rebellious behaviour and that her days in the facility were tough.
"These programs promised healing, growth and support, but instead did not allow me to speak, move freely or even look out a window for two years.
"I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff.
"I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement."
Hilton insisted she didn't blame her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, for enrolling her in the school because she felt they had been "deceived" and "manipulated".
"My parents were completely deceived, lied to and manipulated by this for-profit industry about the inhumane treatment I was experiencing."
Hilton, who has two young children with husband Carter Reum, also spoke out for young people in foster care and adoption who feel "forgotten", noting how some don't have parents "regularly checking in on them.
"As a mum, these stories break my heart. The treatment these kids have had to endure is criminal. ... I will not stop until America's youth is safe.
"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 won't give up on you.
"You are important, your future is important, and you deserve every opportunity to be safe and supported."
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Australian Associated Press
