‘It’s not just about gymnastics’: Nassar trial hits home for sex abuse advocates
Over the past week, more than 150 young women and girls have described sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Wednesday, Judge Rosemarie Aguilina sentenced Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexual abuse incidents that lasted nearly two decades.
Advocates for survivors of sexual abuse in Iowa told KCCI they have been watching the Nassar case closely.
At the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Kerri True-Funk said she hears stories everyday of rape and sexual violence.
“High-profile cases are good for bringing public awareness, but the reality is in most situations victims are by themselves and they don’t have three or four other survivors saying, ‘This also happened to me,’” True-Funk
Victims like Iowan Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, who spoke out against Nassar, found a voice in numbers as others came forward.
“It’s really important to believe survivors when they’re telling their stories in these situations,” True-Funk said.
...Officials with the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault said they want survivors to know they are not alone. Help is available at the Iowa Victim Service Call Center 24/7. To contact them, call 1-800-770-1650 or text “IOWAHELP” to 20121.
