In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated nationwide law enforcement effort aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. The operation represents one of the most significant recent federal actions focused on identifying offenders and safeguarding children from ongoing harm.
For survivors and their families, news of such an operation can bring a mix of emotions. While arrests and prosecutions are critical steps toward accountability, they are only one part of a much larger picture. Understanding what Operation Relentless Justice accomplished, and where additional forms of justice and support may be needed, is essential for those seeking healing and long-term protection. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we have extenstive experience handling large scale sexual abuse cases involving children. If you have any questions or need answers in your own case, please do not hesitate to reach out.
What Is Operation Relentless Justice?
Operation Relentless Justice was a two week, nationwide law enforcement crackdown led by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Announced in December 2025, the operation focused on identifying, arresting, and charging individuals involved in child sexual abuse and exploitation.
According to the DOJ, the operation resulted in:
- The arrest of 293 child sexual abuse offenders
- The identification and safeguarding of 205 child victims
The effort was conducted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a long-standing federal initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation through coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI field offices across the country announced arrests and charges within their jurisdictions, reflecting the scope and collaborative nature of the operation.
The Role of Law Enforcement vs. Civil Advocacy
Operation Relentless Justice highlights the importance of criminal enforcement in protecting children. At the same time, it also shows the limits of the criminal justice system when it comes to addressing the long-term needs of survivors.
Criminal Justice
The primary role of the DOJ, the FBI, and local U.S. Attorneys is to investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and pursue incarceration where appropriate. Criminal cases are essential for removing offenders from the community and sending a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated.
However, criminal proceedings focus on the actions of the offender and the penalties imposed by the state. They are not designed to address the full scope of harm suffered by survivors.
The Gap
While criminal convictions can provide a sense of accountability, they do not always address the lifelong emotional, psychological, and financial consequences of abuse. Survivors may face years of therapy, medical treatment, and other support needs that are not covered by the criminal process.
This gap can leave survivors and families searching for additional avenues of support and justice.
Civil Justice
Civil legal action offers a different form of accountability. Through civil lawsuits, survivors may seek compensation for the harm they have endured and hold responsible parties accountable beyond the individual offender.
A personal injury firm experienced in handling sexual abuse cases can help survivors explore whether institutions, organizations, or other entities failed in their duty to protect children from foreseeable harm.
How Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. Supports Survivors
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we have extensive experience representing survivors of sexual abuse in complex and sensitive cases. Our role is distinct from that of prosecutors, but no less important for survivors seeking a path forward.
Empowering Survivors
We provide a safe, confidential space for survivors and their families to learn about their legal rights outside of the criminal courtroom. Many individuals are unsure whether civil legal options are available to them, especially when criminal cases are ongoing or have concluded.
Our goal is to empower survivors with information, clarity, and control over their decisions.
Holding All Parties Accountable
Civil investigations often extend beyond the individual offender. We examine whether schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, employers, or digital platforms failed to implement reasonable safeguards or ignored warning signs.
When institutions contribute to an environment where abuse occurs, civil justice can play a critical role in accountability and prevention.
Trauma Informed Representation
Our firm is committed to a trauma informed, survivor centered approach. We understand that legal action can be emotionally difficult, and we prioritize sensitivity, respect, and discretion at every stage.
With experience handling high profile and complex abuse cases, we focus on minimizing additional harm while advocating firmly for our clients’ rights.
Seeking Compensation for Healing
Civil claims may allow survivors to seek compensation for a wide range of damages related to abuse, including:
- Therapy and mental health treatment
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
While no legal outcome can undo the harm caused by abuse, financial compensation can provide access to resources that support long term healing and stability.
Moving Forward: Resources and Support
For individuals or families in immediate crisis or seeking confidential support, the following resources are available:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 800-656-HOPE
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): 800-THE-LOST
Community vigilance also plays a vital role in protecting children. Reporting suspected exploitation and remaining attentive to warning signs can help prevent future harm.
Protect Your Children by Working With SBWD
Operation Relentless Justice reflects a nationwide commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable through criminal enforcement. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our personal injury attorneys believe civil legal advocacy plays a critical and complementary role in that effort. Our work centers on survivors and their families, focusing on accountability, recovery, and long term protection when the criminal justice system alone is not enough.
We help survivors pursue civil justice by providing experienced, trauma informed representation that prioritizes dignity, privacy, and informed decision making. Our firm investigates not only the actions of individual offenders, but also whether institutions failed in their legal duty to protect children from foreseeable harm. When organizations ignore warning signs or lack proper safeguards, civil action can help drive meaningful change.
Make Sure Your Voice is Heard
Our goal is not only to seek justice for individual survivors, but also to contribute to safer systems that better protect children from child injuries and exploitation. Civil legal action can be a powerful tool for accountability, healing, and lasting impact when supported by experienced advocates who understand both the legal and human dimensions of these cases.
Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. is dedicated to standing with survivors and families seeking justice, accountability, and healing. If you have concerns about abuse, institutional negligence, or a potential civil claim, contact us today at (410) 685-2022 for your free, confidential consultation to learn more about your options and available support.
