The Power of VOICE

More than 150 women stood up and exposed
Larry Nassar’s unforgivable crimes to the world.

The women who BRAVELY faced Larry Nassar in court
deserve our RESPECT and ATTENTION
For changing the course of a criminal tragedy
people were too willing to ignore.

Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after their testimony dramatically changed the course of his sentencing hearing. He’ll spend the rest of his life behind bars thanks to their courageous actions.
Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics national team physician, had already been sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of child pornography.
As major news his crimes weren’t receiving significant attention until so many women — more than 150 — came before a judge to offer personal statements against him.

Because of these women USING THEIR VOICES,
he now faces up to 175 years in light of sexual assault charges.

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The statements of well-known figures, including gold-medal-winning gymnast Kayla Maroney, have helped bring renewed attention to the 54-year-old Michigan doctor’s hearing. Two-time Olympian Aly Raisman also added her voice, saying in her statement:

“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 just beginning to use them.”

Nassar tried to avoid hearing those statements in the courtroom,
but the judge wasn’t having it.

Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina
ensured every woman had a safe platform to be heard.

“It is so important what you’ve done. I am so very proud of you. This doesn’t define you. This strengthens you.”
– Aquilina told 16-year-old Chelsea Zerfas.

WATCH MORE STATEMENTS HERE:

Kyle Stephens, family friend and neighbor

Kyle Stephens said that she was first abused by Nassar when she was six years old.

When she was 12 years old, she told her parents, but no one believed her.

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“Little girls don’t stay little forever. They grow into strong women
that return to destroy your world.” – Kyle Stephens

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