The victims of sexual abuse have delivered powerful statements about the "mental and physical pain" Larry Nassar inflicted on them.
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Multiple women delivered emotional testimonies during a criminal sentencing hearing for ex-USA gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting dozens of girls.
Among the women to deliver testimonies on Tuesday (January 16) was Kyle Stephens, whose parents were friends of Nassar. Stephens told the Michigan court that Nasser started abusing her from the age of six and that her parents did not believe her when she told them.
“Little girls don’t stay little forever," said Stephens. "They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world.”
Stephens was the first of almost 100 women who are expected to deliver statements during the four-day hearing. More than 140 women have accused Nassar of sexual abuse, including 125 who reported their assault to the Michigan State Police.
During their testimonies, victims held back their tears while they described the physical and mental pain they felt after each abuse and asked the court to impose the maximum sentencing.
Prosecutors are seeking a 40 to 125-year prison sentence.
Back in November, Nassar pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault.
The former USA Gymnastics physician is already serving a 60-year sentence after pleading guilty in July to child pornography charges.
Nassar served as the USA Gymnastics physician through four Olympic Games.