This day has been long in coming, with many victims of sexual abuse suffered as children likely wondering whether it would ever come at all.
It promises to be both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Above all, though, it is certain to be redemptive and serve as a catalyst allowing legions of abuse survivors to reclaim their lives by directly confronting their abuser in court.
That aspect of being heard and taking charge is something we note as being crucially important for victims on our legal advocacy website at the Law Offices of Joseph C. George, Ph.D. Spotlighting wrongdoing, assigning accountability and realizing freedom by speaking up is something that is vitally important for every individual who ever suffered at the hands of a sexual predator.
Reportedly, scores of young women will embrace that feeling today and throughout this week when they finally have the chance to stand up in court and confront long-time USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar reportedly abused scores of young girls under his care over many years, and now faces life in prison. It is possible that 100 or more young women could deliver impact statements in court.
Nassar's abuse was inflicted on athletes at every level of competition. Three members of the 2012 gymnastics Olympic team -- Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman -- cite his criminal behavior. Raisman additionally points an accusatory finger at the national organization USA Gymnastics, saying that it enabled Nassar and is "100% responsible" for the outcome.
Celebrated 2016 Olympic champion Simone Biles issued a statement just yesterday indicating that she, too, was abused by Nassar. She says that, like other victims, she long wondered whether the abuse was somehow her fault.
She now knows that she was simply the young and blameless victim of a serial manipulator and molester. She says she will no longer "carry the guilt that belongs to Larry Nassar."
