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What Is a Girl Worth? is the memoir by Rachael Denhollander who became famous after being the first to publicly speak up about the sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. What Is a Girl Worth? produced in me a mixture of emotions including anger, sadness, and fear. Nonetheless, I am thankful for Rachael’s vulnerability and courage in sharing her story.
In What Is a Girl Worth? Rachael shares how she was sexually abused as a young girl by someone in her church and then later by former doctor Larry Nassar. Larry was manipulative in such a way that he was abusing girls right in front of their own parents as he performed what appeared to be medical treatment. Rachael and her mom began to realize this as there were many aspects of Larry’s medical treatment that were very inappropriate.
Eventually, Rachael stopped receiving treatment from Larry but was left dealing with the trauma of his abuse. She confided in her mom who was also an abuse survivor. At that time there seemed to be no realistic way to bring Larry to justice for his crimes. He worked for two major institutions that would do everything in their power to protect him.
Years later, Rachael saw a trending news story about how USA Gymnastics had covered up abuse by coaches. At the conclusion of the article, the reporters had requested that anyone with additional information contact them as the investigation was developing. Rachael reached out explaining that the coaches weren’t the only ones abusing gymnasts.
She resolved to come out as publicly as possible if it meant justice being served and the prevention of further abuse. Around the time the article was published, Rachael realized that there was no longer a statute of limitations as she had originally thought. With this knowledge, she began to pursue filing a police report.
Prior to the release of the article in which Rachael publicly shared her story for the first time, the church she attended was planning to have a guest pastor from another church preach at a church service. The guest pastor was from a church that was under scrutiny for not properly responding to allegations of sexual abuse within its leadership.
Rachael was concerned that allowing the guest pastor to preach would send the wrong message to sexual abuse victims within the congregation. In addition to everything else Rachael had sacrificed in pursuit of justice and protecting innocent girls, she also lost her church. The church later issued a public apology and has since restored their relationship with Rachael and her husband Jacob.
What stands out to me most about Rachael’s story, and perhaps to many others, is her pursuit of justice as a Christian. There seems to be the false notion permeating the church that it is wrong for Christians to seek justice where it is due. However this notion is at odds with God’s character because He is just. A distinction needs to be made between justice and vengeance and the way Rachael gave her impact statement at the conclusion of Larry’s sentencing is the perfect example of making such a distinction.
What Is a Girl Worth? is absolutely heartbreaking yet sadly, desperately needed. By sharing her personal experiences, Rachael sheds light on why common questions including, “Why didn’t you say anything?” and “Why are you just now speaking up?” are harmful and hurtful. By reading Rachael’s story I’ve learned of at least two ways we can come alongside sexual abuse victims: listen and believe.
There is much to be learned from Rachael’s story. When it comes to matters of sexual abuse and prevention, her voice ought to be heard and heeded. I highly recommend What Is a Girl Worth? and am honored to have been a participant on the launch team. I received What Is a Girl Worth? compliments of Tyndale Momentum in exchange for my honest review.
For further reading:
- The Incredible Testimony as a Former Gymnast Confronts Her Sexual Abuser in Court
- My Larry Nassar Testimony Went Viral. But There’s More to the Gospel Than Forgiveness.
- The Sacrifice
