Larry Nassar, the former medic for the Olympic Gymnastic Team, was sentenced to 175 years in prison for the sexual misconduct of over 150 girls on Wednesday, the 24th.

One particular victim, Kyle Stephens, was impacted by Nassar in unimaginable ways. At the young and innocent age of 6, Stephens witnessed vile and nauseating images that will forever scar her.

In Stephens’s very own home in Michigan, Nassar exposed himself to the young child and then violated her. As if the sexual assault had not been traumatizing enough, the young child sought out consolation in her parents but no one believed her.

However, after Nassar’s trial and the numerous emotional testimonies from Nassar’s sexual assault victims, the truth came out. In recognition of their mistake, Stephens’s parents realized that their child had not only been forced to endure sexual harassment, but also to do so alone.  The weight of the experience was too much for Stephens’s father to bare, and, ultimately, he took his own life.

Not only did Nassar take  Stephens’s innocence, her childhood, her reputation – but he took her family.

The day of Stephens’s testimony was one that was long, hard, but most of all, it was liberating. Stephens was asked to describe the graphic details of her abuse in order for the judge to determine the suitable ramifications, and consequences. To relive the details of those dreadful days, was difficult, and brave.

“Perhaps you have figured it out by now, but little girls don’t stay little forever. They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world,” says Stephens.

The world is full of injustices, trials, and hardships – it will push you down and beat you until you can no longer fight. Many sexual abuse victims were silenced through this vindictive experience, but they have found their voice, and no one will take it away again.

“This process has been horrific but surprisingly therapeutic. I am addressing you publicly today as a final step in a statement to myself that I have nothing to be ashamed of.” says Stephens.