On January 19th, USA Olympic medalist Aly Raisman along with 140 other women came forward and faced their abuser, former USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, giving a powerful statement in a Michigan courtroom. In case you did not know, Nassar has admitted and has now been punished for sexually abusing women under the guise of medical treatment. He has been sentenced to 40 to 145 years in prison.
Aly Raisman delivered a powerful victim statement regarding her experience with Nassar, how it has been handled, calling out USA gymnastics, and multiple sources to the problem Nassar created. She reveals how his abuse goes back 30 years and how no one listened to anyone who came forward. They were told to stay quiet.
Well, Raisman did not hold back in any way. She is so strong and is a leader of our generation. All of the women who testified are survivors and a true inspiration to those who have been sexually abused, as they are using their voice and platform to help others.
Listed below are some parts of Raisman’s statement:
“I am here to face you Larry, so you can see I have regained my strength — that I am no longer a victim, I am a survivor. I am no longer that little girl you met in Australia where you first began grooming and manipulating.”
Raisman, recounting the first time she was a victim to Nassar.
“And now, Larry, it’s your turn to listen to me.”
He put them through years of abuse and is finally getting what he deserves. This is only the beginning for the survivors. No amount of time or sentencing can truly make up for the abuse he put them through, as they are life-altering effects. But, they are strong and courageous women who will continue to use their voice to help make a meaningful change.
“As for your letter yesterday, you are pathetic to think that anyone would have any sympathy for you. You think this is hard for you? Imagine how all of us feel.”
Nassar wrote a 6-page letter to judge Rosemarie Aquilina claiming he was not sure if he could continue hearing the victim statements. Well, Rosemarie Aquilina tossed the letter aside and said: “spending four or five days listening to them is minor, considering the hours of pleasure you’ve had at their expense, ruining their lives.” She did not put up with any nonsense he tried to pull.
“Imagine feeling like you have no power and no voice. Well, you know what, Larry, I have both power and voice, and I am only beginning to just use them.”
This is a statement that will stick with me forever.
“I am also here to tell you to your face, Larry, that you have not taken gymnastics away from me. I love this sport, and that love is stronger than the evil that resides in you, in those who enabled you to hurt many people.”
Raisman and her teammates will not let this stop them from loving their passion. They will be part of the change that changes the sport back to being the safe place it once was for them.
“A word of advice: continuing to issue empty statements of empty promises, thinking that will pacify us, will no longer work.”
This was in regards to the USA gymnastics official statement.
“My dream is that one day, everyone will know what the words, “Me too,” signify, but they will be educated and able to protect themselves from predators like Larry, so they will never ever ever have to say the words, ‘Me too.’”
#MeToo is a movement founded by Tarana Burke 10 years ago and has recently gone viral on social media in regards to those who spoke and are speaking out against violence and sexual harassment. #MeToo “Silence Breakers” was named TIME Magazine Person of the Year.
All the women who gave their statements at this trial and those who are speaking out about their experiences of sexual abuse showcase their incredible bravery and do not let them be silenced. By using their voices, they have created a safe space for those who have not come forward yet to know they are not alone in their struggles and together, they are a force.
“The survivors are here, standing tall, and we are not going anywhere.”
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To watch Aly Raisman’s statement, here is a link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/us/larry-nassar-sentencing/index.html
If you or anyone has experienced sexual abuse, harassment, assault, or anything you feel you need help dealing with- I have attached some hotlines and websites that can help. You do not have to suffer in silence, you are not alone.
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673) https://metoomvmt.org/ http://www.feminist.org/911/harass.html