Former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar, was sentenced to 175 years in prison on Wednesday for sexually assaulting more than 150 girls and woman. The hearing lasted for seven days due to the 156 women and parents proving impact statements explaining their experiences and encounters with Nassar.

According to ABC News, “Nassar became an assistant professor and team physician at Michigan State University, and was named the national medical coordinator for USA Gymnastics, in 1996. In 2016, Michigan State University, fired Nassar after the Indianapolis Star reported allegations made by a former gymnast. 

Former Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman, who was a part of the ‘Fab Five’ back in 2012, made a powerful statement that would unite all these women as one. 

She said, “Larry, you do realize now that we this group of women you are so heartlessly abused over such a long period of time are now a force, and you are nothing.”

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina had the pleasure not only as a judge but as a woman, to punish Larry Nassar, who performed horrible and traumatizing acts against all these women. Judge Aquilina stated Nassar’s “decision to assault was precise, calculated, manipulative, devious, despicable.” 

She continued, “It is my honor and privilege to sentence you. You do not deserve to walk outside a prison ever again,” Aquilina said. Many sources believe what Judge Aquilina said during the seven day trial was harsh, but as a women and judge, Nassar should have known he had it coming for him. Aquilina added: “I just signed your death warrant.” 

Many of the statements made by the former gymnasts and other women were brave, courageous and impacting. To many of the women, this is an incident they no longer have to live with by themselves anymore or fear  it happening ever again. The man that they despised, and feared is now being put away forever.

According to CNN, “The former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor, told the courtroom he would carry his victims’ words with him “for the rest of my days.” Is this a sincere statement or is it an all an act to get sympathy from the victims, families, and viewers watching this all come to a fold? 

The fact that it took decades for this man to be locked behind bars and punished for the terrible crimes he has committed, is absolutely disturbing. 

Why does it take 150 women to testify against Nassar in order for something to be done? What does this say about the world we live in, the people who are in charge, and men that we continue to choose to be in the spotlight? What are we as a nation going to do to change the way athletes, celebrities, and everyday women are treated?

With recent events like the women’s march, it just proves that we as women will not back down. The battle for women’s rights is a daily occurrence, but we continue to stand up against injustices. Because these nightmares should of ended a long time ago.