Paris Hilton is lending her celebrity to call for reform on a tragic issue: abuse of children in treatment facilities.

What happened: She pioneered the modern reality TV show, but Paris Hilton broke sober new ground Wednesday. The celeb implored Congress to do more to address what she described as systemic physical, sexual and emotional abuse at residential children's treatment centers around the country. Hilton said, during her time in these centers, she endured strangulation, male staff watching her shower, no access to the outdoors and forced medication, among other abuse.

Haunting: Hilton said she couldn't sleep for 20 years due to the trauma she endured. Read her op-ed here.

"I wish I could tell you that what I experienced and witnessed was unique or rare. But sadly, it's not. Every day in America, children in congregate care settings are being physically, emotionally and sexually abused."

— Paris Hilton

Also attending: ​​Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). And, yes, there were dozens more people — many Hill staffers — than your typical press conference.

What's next? Khanna and other lawmakers intend to drop a bill that they say would codify a patients' bill of rights in these facilities. No definite timing on that yet.