Let Nassar case be lesson for all
The former doctor for USA Gymnastics has been at the center of an extended sentencing hearing in a Michigan courtroom after he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault.
Much of the hearing has been televised, with cable news channels dropping in for portions of victims’ statements over the past 10 days, showing highprofile athletes telling Judge Rosemarie Aquilina how Larry Nassar had attacked them in his treatment rooms, often with one of their parents present.
They told the judge about abuse that spanned more than 20 years and occurred when they were training for the Olympics and other sports competition at Michigan State University, where Nassar was based.
Nassar’s victims included superstars such as Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, who both won Olympic all-around competitions for Team USA. He also treated Michigan State dancers, rowers and runners, and those competing in softball, soccer and volleyball.
The brave women who stepped forward to tell their stories did so after a gymnast named Rachel Denhollander finally found someone to believe her. For years, she told the judge, she hid in disbelief, then shame, about what had happened under Nassar’s care. When she did finally speak up, she said, she was met with doubts and accusations from officials, who protected Nassar because he was highly respected in the athletic community.
After Denhollander surfaced, more and more victims stepped forward. On Wednesday, Nassar received up to 175 years in state prison, which would follow a 60-year federal child pornography sentence previously handed down.
In a statement at sentencing, prosecutor Angela Povilaitis listed important takeaways from the Nassar case:
Adults must listen to victims, regardless of who are the perpetrators. Anyone can be a perpetrator.
Delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse is common, but victims must speak up to ensure the abuse stops. Predators groom their victims, working to ensure they remain silent.
Police must not be afraid to take on difficult cases and keep their focus on gaining justice for the victims.
It’s clear from recent cases of sexual crimes committed against children in our own area this message is an important one to be shared.
We must not victimize further those who have been abused by discounting their disclosures. When they step forward, they might be helping to stop abuse of others to come.
Also Wednesday, the U.S. Olympic Committee said it would bring in an independent investigator to determine how the sexual abuse attributed to Nassar could have gone on as long as it did and “who knew what and when.” Several Team USA gymnasts have said others were aware of his behavior.
“The Olympic family is among those that have failed you,” Scott Blackmun, CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, wrote in an open letter to its athletes Wednesday.
We’re glad to see the USOC take this step, and we hope it leads to necessary reforms and restores trust in an environment where little, if any, exists.