Larry Nassar was the Olympic Gymnastics doctor who molested over 150 women time after time under the pretense that it was checkups and claiming they were “treatments.” Many of the girls, ranging between all ages, spoke up in court during Nassar’s hearing. Some victims having to write letters because they felt it would be too traumatic to face him again. Even if they didn’t speak in person, they were all there with one goal in mind: It was time to take back their lives and make sure Nassar knew he could no longer hurt them.
The first victim to speak out in court was Kyle Stephens, who stated that Nassar had abused her from age 6 to 12 when she would have visits at his home.
In her testimony, Stephens said, “I testified to let the world know that you are a repulsive liar and those ‘treatments’ were pathetically veiled sexual abuse. Perhaps you have figured it out by now, but little girls don’t stay little forever. They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world.”
Many other girls came forward to give Nassar their final words before he was sentenced. Jamie Dantzscher, a 2000 Olympian, looked Nassar in the eyes as she said: “How dare you ask any of us for forgiveness. Your days of manipulation are over, we have a voice. We have the power now.”
For many, this was a chance to finally say what they wanted to tell their abuser for years. They have been manipulated by him long enough, and they were present in the court room ready to prove to him they are no longer his victims. They are survivors.
Aly Raisman, an Olympic gold medalist who originally stated that she wouldn’t be attending, decided to show up and speak directly to Nassar.
“Larry you do realize now that we, the group of women you so heartlessly abused for such a long period of time, are now a force, and you are nothing. The tables have turned Larry, we are here, we have voices, and we are not going anywhere.”
Another strong woman in that court room was Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who said it was “her honor and privilege” to sentence Larry Nassar to 45-175 years in prison. After having read Nassar’s “apology letter,” which she later tossed aside, she told him he “did not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.” She told one of the girls testifying, “he’s gone, your words replace what’s he’s done to you.” Although she is currently being criticized by some of the public for being “too harsh,” others are praising her for her bluntness towards Nassar.
What these girls did in that court room was brave and heroic. They stood up for themselves and for those who couldn’t. They showed that they were a force to be reckon with and that nothing can tear down their spirits. They got the justice they deserved.
If you or anyone you may know is experiencing any form of sexual abuse, don’t be afraid to speak out and get help. The National Sexual Assault number is: (800) 656-4673