The victims of disgraced former Team USA Doctor Larry Nassar have finally received some justice. After years of enduring abuse and trauma at the hands of Nassar, the survivors will now receive a $138.7 million payout from the U.S. Government. This long-awaited compensation comes after a botched FBI investigation failed to properly address the heinous crimes committed by Nassar.
For those who may not be familiar with the case, Larry Nassar was a doctor for the USA Gymnastics team and Michigan State University. He was also a renowned physician who treated numerous athletes, including Olympic gold medalists. However, behind his facade of success and respectability, Nassar was a predator who used his position of power to sexually abuse hundreds of young girls and women.
The first accusations against Nassar came to light in 2016, when former gymnast Rachael Denhollander bravely spoke out about the abuse she suffered at his hands. This sparked a wave of allegations from other survivors, leading to Nassar’s arrest and eventual conviction on multiple counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison, but the damage he caused to his victims will last a lifetime.
While Nassar’s conviction was a step towards justice, it was not enough for the survivors. They wanted accountability from those who failed to protect them and allowed Nassar to continue his abuse for decades. This is where the FBI comes into the picture.
In 2015, USA Gymnastics reported allegations of sexual abuse against Nassar to the FBI. However, the bureau failed to take proper action and allowed Nassar to continue his abuse for another year. This was a devastating blow to the survivors, who trusted the FBI to protect them and bring their abuser to justice.
The botched investigation by the FBI has been heavily criticized, with many questioning why it took so long for Nassar to be stopped. The survivors and their families have been vocal about their disappointment and anger towards the bureau’s handling of the case. And now, finally, they are receiving some form of reparation for the pain and suffering they endured.
The $138.7 million payout from the U.S. Government is a significant step towards acknowledging the failures of the FBI and providing some form of closure for the survivors. This compensation will be divided among the 332 survivors who have come forward so far, with an average payout of over $400,000 per person. While no amount of money can erase the trauma and pain these survivors have experienced, it is a small step towards acknowledging their suffering and providing some form of support for their healing journey.
The survivors and their families have expressed their gratitude for this payout, with many stating that it is a validation of their experiences and a step towards holding those responsible accountable. However, they also acknowledge that this is just the beginning, and there is still a long road ahead towards healing and preventing similar cases from happening in the future.
The U.S. Government’s decision to compensate the Nassar survivors is a crucial step towards acknowledging the failures of the FBI and providing some form of justice for the survivors. It sends a powerful message that the government will not tolerate such heinous crimes and will take responsibility for its mistakes. This decision also serves as a reminder that the survivors’ voices have been heard and that their bravery in speaking out has made a difference.
It is also essential to recognize the role of the survivors in bringing about this outcome. Their courage and determination to seek justice have been an inspiration to many and have shed light on the failures of the system. Their voices have sparked a much-needed conversation about the protection of athletes and the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the $138.7 million payout from the U.S. Government to the Nassar survivors is a significant step towards acknowledging the failures of the FBI and providing some form of justice for the survivors. It is a reminder that the survivors’ voices have been heard and that their bravery has made a difference. While there is still a long road ahead towards healing and preventing similar cases from happening, this payout serves as a glimmer of hope for the survivors and a reminder that their voices matter.
