Confronting Their Abuser: The Most Powerful Quotes from Survivors

Larry Nassar does not deserve to be remembered. Yes, he should forever serve to exemplify the reality of powerful men shaming women into silence, but no, he is not worthy of being remembered.

The words of the survivors are what deserve to be remembered. The words of the survivors are what need to be remembered.

In the victims’ own words, here are the most poignant quotes from Nassar’s seven-day sentencing hearing:

Jade Capua

“I am no longer broken by you. Every day I grow a new strength and look into the mirror to see a strong, unbreakable person. Nothing will ever take away what you’ve done to me or to the others that started behind me. However, we can walk free and radiate the strength that we’ve gained from your horrific acts, something you will never be able to do.”

Kate Mahon

“By publicly speaking out against Larry Nassar, I’m not just speaking out for myself. I’m speaking out for all the girls and women of the past, present and future that have been or will be affected by sexual assault.”

Stephanie Robinson

“While I came to this stand as a victim, I leave as victor.”

Katelyn Skrabis

“Nothing can change what Larry Nassar did to me.”

Amanda Thomashow

“Larry, the thing you didn’t realize when you were sexually assaulting me … was that you were building an army of survivors who would ultimately expose you for who you are. From this rubble we will rise as an army of female warriors.”

Jenelle Moul

“I hope you are never able to walk outside those [prison] walls as a free man. Most importantly I hope all of the survivors you hurt are able to heal from the damage you have done.”

Amanda Barterian

“I refuse to let Larry Nassar take anything more from here. He’s already taken enough.”

Helena Weick

“This is not my shame anymore. It’s yours.”

Aly Raisman

“I will not rest until every last trace of your influence on this sport has been destroyed like the cancer it is.”

Chelsea Zerfas

“I avoided going to practice when I knew I had to see him … I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I’d tremble in fear.”

Ashley Yost

“That’s something a 25-year-old shouldn’t have to do…sleep in their parents’ bed because they’re afraid of a monster.”

Jordyn Wieber

“Even though I am a victim, I won’t live my life as one. I am an Olympian.”

Alexis Moore

“I don’t like the word victim. I am a survivor, but more so, I am me. Those 10 years are a part of my story. They have helped define who I am today.”