One man. 156 women. One testimony that will stick with us forever.
Larry Nassar, 54, USA Gymnastics National Team Doctor and physician at Michigan State University.
Within the past year, he was accused of molesting USA Gymnasts. 156 women have spoken out about Nassar molesting them. His sentencing states that he abused 265 girls. As the case began to unfold, it was made clear that his malicious actions had been happening for decades, and that his "authoritative" role within USA Gymnastics allowed these actions to continue. He convinced these athletes his actions would "heal their pain."
These allegations would put Aly Raisman in the same room as Nassar, this time not to be treated for her pain, but instead to voice her pain and to make it clear to the public that his actions are not okay. Raisman's speech was over 10 minutes long, and when finished, she received a standing ovation. This speech not only spoke volumes to those within that courtroom, but to millions around the world. It shined a bright light on an issue that we tend to turn a blind eye to, not only within professional athletics, but in our everyday society.
Raisman emphasized the fact that no adults listened to her, even though she spoke out various times about how Nassar made them feel. No action was taken. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, and I struggle to understand why it's taken this long for people to understand. Despite allegations of sexual abuse, more times than not, nothing is done. What kind of system calls allows cries for help to be ignored? What makes it worse is the fact that young individuals' first instinct is to confide in the adults in their lives. But what does it matter if those figures don't do anything to help?
Nassar sat in a courtroom and shrugged in his chair with tears in his eyes. His actions were finally addressed and were soon to be penalized. This man had the audacity to write a statement that blamed the victims for his actions. In regards to his statement, Raisman stated, "...you are pathetic to think that anyone would have sympathy for you," and she was right. This letter solidified the judge's decision and even prompted the labeling of Nassar as sub-human.
Raisman's speech is something that will be present and important in years to come. She not only shed light on a widespread societal problem, but she also addressed the largest case of sexual abuse in athletic history. Things need to be done and steps need to be taken to prevent these horrible things from taking place, to begin with. We can't turn a blind eye to the issue of sexual misconduct any longer.
Larry Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in prison.
That is one person put away for their actions, but there are so many more.
