7 lessons we learned from Larry Nassar sentencing

Larry Nassar, 54, was sentenced Wednesday to up to 175 years in prison, after 156 women and girls made victim-impact statements over seven days about the abuse and anguish he caused them.

Nassar, the former team doctor for USA Gymnastics for nearly 20 years, pleaded guilty in November to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Many current and former gymnasts, including gold medalists McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Simone Biles, have said that they were sexually abused by Nassar under the guise of medical treatment.

The chief prosecutor, Michigan Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis, gave special credit to investigative reporters at The Indianapolis Star and former gymnast Rachael Denhollander for first bringing Nassar's crimes to light.

►How investigation began:Larry Nassar's downfall started with an email to IndyStar

►Empowering:Here are some key moments from the Larry Nassar victim testimony

►His sentencing:Here's how long Larry Nassar could spend behind bars

To the victims, Povilaitis also said, "They should feel no shame, because they did nothing wrong. He did."

"These little girls have transformed before our eyes from victims, to survivors, to champions for justice and advocates for change."

Here are seven lessons that Povilaitis said we should have learned from the Larry Nassar victim testimony.

1. Believe children when they report abuse

Povilaitis said that children who claimed Nassar was abusing them during his medical treatments were ignored by adults, even though some of their claims were first made two decades ago.

She also said there were still some doubters of Nassar's guilt, despite the evidence, victim's impact statements and his own admission of his crimes. "I hope and pray that they're watching, they're listening and they have learned their lesson," Povilaitis said.

2. Anyone can be an abuser

Povilaitis said Nassar had a public persona as a kind and caring doctor who often would not charge his patients and would travel almost anywhere to treat them. But then there was the other side that he showed to his victims. 

"Serial child molesters hide among us," Povilaitis said, adding Nassar is "possibly the most prolific serial child molester in history."

3. Reporting of child abuse must be improved

"Delayed disclosure of child abuse ... is not unique," she said, adding that many of the reports were not followed up on until long after.

►When Nassar spoke:Larry Nassar was at times arrogant, nervous, during interview

►Gregg Doyel:Like Penn State with Sandusky, Michigan State failed to stop Nassar

4. Child molesters strive to win victims' trust

Nassar strove to get close to his victims and their parents, often interacting with them socially and even visiting in their homes. 

"Predators groom their victims and their families," Povilaitis said. "He was only doing that to gain their trust and get what he needed."

5. Children must speak up about abuse

Boys and girls are taught to respect adults, follow their directions, and not question them. But Povilaitis said, "we need to teach them to speak up, until someone listens and helps."

6. Police must take on tough cases

Sexual abuse cases need to be taken seriously by law-enforcement officials, Povilaitis said. "They cannot victim blame, or wait until they have the perfect case," she said.

►Our reporting:How IndyStar investigated USA Gymnastics

►Out of Balance:An IndyStar investigation into USA Gymnastics

7. Investigative journalism is crucial

Povilaitis gave special attention to the first reports of abuse by Nassar that were made by Denhollander and which appeared in The Indianapolis Star in the fall of 2016.

"We, as a society, need investigative journalists more than ever," she said. "Without that first Indianapolis Star story in August 2016; without the story where Rachel came forward publicly shortly thereafter — he would still be practicing medicine, treating athletes and abusing kids."

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Call IndyStar digital producer Dwight Adams at (317) 444-6532. Follow him on Twitter: @hdwightadams.

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