R/P from @riseupasone :⠀ .⠀ "In the sentencing hearing of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina did something incredibly unusual: She vowed to let every one of Nassar’s victims speak. And they did. Over 150 women and girls took the witness stand to explain the pain and trauma that Nassar’s sexual abuse had caused them. Many spoke of not being believed when they came forward with their stories—by parents, coaches, friends, police, USA Gymnastics or the United States Olympic Committee.⠀ .⠀ Many have compared Aquilina to a therapist, as she spoke after each victim statement, offering words of support and encouragement. “You are no longer victims, you are survivors,” she told the women on Wednesday.⠀ .⠀ By giving the floor to these women and girls, many commentators believe Aquilina has not only created space for them to heal from their trauma, but also made a powerful case for believing victims when they come forward.⠀ .⠀ Aquilina has sentenced Larry Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison."⠀ .⠀ Art by @2bunniesinlove⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #riseup #justice #metoo #timesup #rosemarieaquilina #larrynassar #alyraisman #women #womenempowerment #womenempoweringwomen #womensmarch #quotes #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #illustration #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram #metoo