Over the past few months, we have seen a tectonic shift that began in Hollywood and trickled outward to various industries and arenas. The issues of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment have been placed in the spotlight. Many who have been silenced for days or decades are now speaking out, revealing their experiences as well as their abusers.
I have supported the movement since its inception and I commend all those who have been brave enough to shed light on some of their darkest memories. As time has gone on, more and more women and men have said #MeToo.
One of the most talked about cases/perpetrators aside from Harvey Weinstein is Larry Nassar, former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor. Since his first victim came forward to tell her story, over 150 other young women have done the same.
As I have followed the Larry Nassar case and watched the survivors give their impact statements over the past few days, I am moved beyond measure for several reasons, two of which I will mention: 1) The Judge, Rosemarie Aquilina, repeatedly empowered the (former) athletes to speak the truth in her courtroom and offered specific words of encouragement to each individual who walked up to the podium. 2) The courage, poise, vulnerability, and power that these women have shown, in facing their abuser, is nothing short of astonishing.
As a young gymnast, these were the women I looked up to with the highest regard. I was aware of the psychological pressures that are placed on athletes to perform. I knew that it took tremendous hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears to get to the level/arena they were at in the Olympics. These athletes were my superheroes. Little did I know that behind closed doors, many of these women, who I thought were incredibly strong and courageous, were much stronger and even more courageous than I could’ve ever imagined. Little did I and the rest of the world know that many of these women had been harmed and abused over and over and over again by the person who was supposed to treat and heal them. As if the immense weight of the physical, mental, and emotional burdens of simply being an Olympian/elite athlete wasn’t enough, these superheroes unwillingly endured even more.
To the abusers, your time of manipulation, power, and deceit is up. To the army of survivors who have so bravely faced their abusers and to those who have remained anonymous or had their statements read by someone else, I salute you and I thank you for the mountains that your legacies will move. To those who have yet to come forward to say #Metoo, just know that there are people who will listen to you and support you in your journey to heal. Please, do not suffer in silence.
I long for the day that no man or woman, boy or girl will ever have to say #Metoo in this context and I hope that day is coming soon.
1.800.656.4673 National Sexual Assault Hotline
1.800.273.8255 National Suicide Prevention Hotline