Rachael Denhollander
{{short description|American lawyer and activist}}
{{Use American English|date = March 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = March 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rachael Denhollander
| image =
| birth_name = Rachael Joy Moxon
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1984|12|08}}
| birth_place = Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.
| caption =
| awards = {{unbulleted list|Arthur Ashe Courage Award (2018)|Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life (2021)}}
| alma_mater = Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy
| occupation = Lawyer
| spouse = Jacob Denhollander
| children = 4
}}
Rachael Joy Denhollander (née Moxon; born December 8, 1984) is an American lawyer and former gymnast. She was the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor, of sexual assault.{{Cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/01/24/nassar-denhollander/109787862/|title=Rachael Denhollander: The voice that began end of Nassar|work=Detroit News|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502211427/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/01/24/nassar-denhollander/109787862/|url-status=live}} Denhollander is 2018 Glamour Woman of the Year and was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018.{{Cite magazine|title=Rachael Denhollander: The World's 100 Most Influential People|url=https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217581/rachael-denhollander/|access-date=2020-09-23|magazine=Time|language=en-us|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928002330/https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217581/rachael-denhollander/|url-status=live}} She is the recipient of the 2021 Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.{{Cite web|title=Rachael Denhollander to receive 2021 Kuyper Prize|url=https://calvin.edu/news/archive/rachael-denhollander-to-receive-2021-kuyper-prize?s=09&fbclid=IwAR1iP8SG7iGRN5QxVNhhd0_hO4eGQJpRh9kIeNJF4Y_KS1vW4FKRojpQX3I/|access-date=2021-12-11|publisher=Calvin University|language=en-us|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211063226/https://calvin.edu/news/archive/rachael-denhollander-to-receive-2021-kuyper-prize?s=09&fbclid=IwAR1iP8SG7iGRN5QxVNhhd0_hO4eGQJpRh9kIeNJF4Y_KS1vW4FKRojpQX3I/|url-status=live}}
Early life
Denhollander was born on December 8, 1984, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Paul and Camille Moxon. She was homeschooled and practiced gymnastics at a local club. In 2004, she coached gymnastics.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/02/former_kalamazoo_woman_who_led.html|title='I can't be the only one,' former Nassar patient seeks justice|work=Booth Newspapers|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205347/https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/02/former_kalamazoo_woman_who_led.html|url-status=live}} She began law school at Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy when she was 19.{{cite web|url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/how_a_gymnast_turned_lawyer_helped_bring_larry_nassar_to_justice|title=How a gymnast-turned-lawyer helped bring Larry Nassar to justice|work=ABA Journal|date=January 29, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205633/http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/how_a_gymnast_turned_lawyer_helped_bring_larry_nassar_to_justice|url-status=live |last1=Weiss |first1=Debra Cassens }}
Advocacy
{{further|USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal}}
Denhollander told the MSU Police Department in August 2016, filed a Title IX complaint with the university and then shared her story of sexual abuse with the Indianapolis Star.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/videos/news/2016/09/12/90274492/|title=Gymnast accuses former USAG doctor of abuse|website=Indianapolis Star|language=en|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020004745/https://www.indystar.com/videos/news/2016/09/12/90274492/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/09/12/former-usa-gymnastics-doctor-accused-abuse/89995734/|title=Former USA Gymnastics doctor accused of abuse|last1=Evans|first1=Tim|last2=Alesia|first2=Mark|website=Indianapolis Star|language=en|access-date=2019-12-08|last3=Kwiatkowski|first3=Marisa|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829123018/http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/09/12/former-usa-gymnastics-doctor-accused-abuse/89995734/|url-status=live}} Denhollander said Nassar sexually assaulted her when she sought treatment for lower back pain as a 15-year-old gymnast.{{Cite news|url=http://statenews.com/article/2017/05/nassar-prelim-hearing-may-12|title=Three alleged Nassar victims testify at preliminary examination hearing|work=The State News|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-us}}
Denhollander came forward 16 years after Nassar first abused her,{{Cite news|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/01/22/rachael-denhollander-larry-nassar/1051979001/|title=Rachael Denhollander: 'It took all of our voices to get here'|work=Lansing State Journal|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=August 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803085540/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/01/22/rachael-denhollander-larry-nassar/1051979001/|url-status=live}} which led to a floodgate of hundreds{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/KateLouiseWells/status/988506175573504000|title=Kate Wells on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910235435/https://twitter.com/KateLouiseWells/status/988506175573504000|url-status=live}} of other women who came forward with similar allegations against him. At least seven other young women told someone about Nassar over a twenty-year period before Denhollander did likewise,{{Cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/tech/2018/01/18/msu-president-told-nassar-complaint-2014/1042071001/|title=What MSU knew: 14 were warned of Nassar abuse|work=Detroit News|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502211418/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/tech/2018/01/18/msu-president-told-nassar-complaint-2014/1042071001/|url-status=live}} but her complaint was the first to gain traction.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/sports/rachael-denhollander-nassar-gymnastics.html|title=In Larry Nassar's Case, a Single Voice Eventually Raised an Army|date=January 24, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803085540/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/sports/rachael-denhollander-nassar-gymnastics.html|url-status=live}} Nassar initially denied the accusations,{{Cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/01/23/larry-nassar-sometimes-confident-sometimes-arrogant-sometimes-nervous-during-only-interview-sex-abus/1054686001/|title=Larry Nassar was sometimes arrogant, sometimes nervous, during only interview on sex abuse|work=Indianapolis Star|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223152950/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/01/23/larry-nassar-sometimes-confident-sometimes-arrogant-sometimes-nervous-during-only-interview-sex-abus/1054686001/|url-status=live}} then admitted guilt in a plea agreement{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-gymnastics-doctor-larry-nassar-pleads-guilty-3-more-criminal-n824861|title=Ex-gymnastics doctor Nassar pleads guilty to additional sex charges|work=NBC News|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227214341/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-gymnastics-doctor-larry-nassar-pleads-guilty-3-more-criminal-n824861|url-status=live}} and now is imprisoned for the rest of his life.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/02/10/larry-nassar-federal-prison-arizona/326142002/|title=Larry Nassar transferred to federal prison in Arizona|work=Lansing State Journal|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en}} Before he was sentenced, more than 200 women gave testimonies about his abuse in two courtrooms over nine days in county courtrooms near Lansing.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/15_compelling_moments_from_lar.html|title=Compelling moments from Larry Nassar's Eaton County sentencing hearing|work=MLive.com|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502210845/http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/15_compelling_moments_from_lar.html|url-status=live}} Denhollander was the last to speak during both of Nassar's sentencing hearings.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/us/rachael-denhollander-full-statement/index.html|title=Read Rachael Denhollander's full victim impact statement about Larry Nassar|work=CNN|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615192233/https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/us/rachael-denhollander-full-statement/index.html|url-status=live}}
In asking the judges to impose the maximum sentence on Nassar, Denhollander said, "How much is a little girl worth?"{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-42810609/larry-nassar-victim-how-much-is-a-little-girl-worth|title='How much is a little girl worth'?|work=BBC News|language=en|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513212514/http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-42810609/larry-nassar-victim-how-much-is-a-little-girl-worth|url-status=live}} She answered her own question: "These victims are worth everything ... I plead with you to impose the maximum sentence under the plea agreement because everything is what these survivors are worth."{{Cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/01/24/rachael-denhollander-larry-nassar-statement/109781984/|title=In her own words: Nassar victim's emotional statement|work=Detroit News|access-date=2018-05-02|language=en|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502211424/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/01/24/rachael-denhollander-larry-nassar-statement/109781984/|url-status=live}} In Ingham County, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said Denhollander "built an army of survivors"{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|title=Abused gymnast receives standing ovation in court as Larry Nassar is sent to prison|date=January 25, 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502143615/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|url-status=live}} and called her "a five-star general."{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|title=Abused gymnast receives standing ovation in court as Larry Nassar is sent to prison|date=January 25, 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502143615/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|url-status=live}} Aquilina also said Denhollander was "the bravest person I have ever had in my courtroom."{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|title=Abused gymnast receives standing ovation in court as Larry Nassar is sent to prison|date=January 25, 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=May 2, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502143615/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rachael-denhollander-standing-ovation-video-larry-nassar-judge-aquilina-praise-a8177456.html|url-status=live}}
Denhollander has been bestowed with many honors for bringing Nassar to justice, including Time magazine naming her to its 2018 list of the world's 100 Most Influential People.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217581/rachael-denhollander/|title=Rachael Denhollander: The World's 100 Most Influential People|magazine=Time|language=en-us|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501181236/http://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217581/rachael-denhollander/|url-status=live}} On May 16, 2018, it was announced that the survivors of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal would be awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/olympics/2018/05/16/larry-nassar-victims-arthur-ashe-award-espy|title=Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Survivors to Receive Arthur Ashe Award For Courage At ESPYs|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=May 16, 2018|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041450/https://www.si.com/olympics/2018/05/16/larry-nassar-victims-arthur-ashe-award-espy|url-status=live}} On December 12, 2018, Denhollander was announced as the winner of Sports Illustrated's Inspiration of the Year Award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2018/12/06/rachael-denhollander-inspiration-year-award-sports-illustrated-gymnast|title=Rachael Denhollander wins SI's Inspiration of the Year award|website=SI.com|date=December 6, 2018|language=en|access-date=2018-12-12|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212212139/https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2018/12/06/rachael-denhollander-inspiration-year-award-sports-illustrated-gymnast|url-status=live}}
Denhollander said that she left her former church in Louisville, Kentucky over her concerns about their affiliation with Sovereign Grace Churches. Even though her church had never been affiliated with Sovereign Grace Churches, the leadership of her former church, Immanuel Baptist Church, issued an apology for not properly addressing Denhollander's concerns, saying their initial response had been "sinfully unloving."{{cite news|url=https://immanuelky.org/articles/we-were-rachaels-church/|title=Rachael Denhollander's Former Church Apologizes for Mishandling Ex-Gymnast's Concerns|date=May 31, 2018|publisher=Immanuel Baptist Church|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905180023/https://immanuelky.org/articles/we-were-rachaels-church/|url-status=live}}
In March 2019, Denhollander announced that she would be publishing two books – a memoir titled What Is a Girl Worth? and a children's book titled How Much Is a Little Girl Worth?.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2019/03/05/rachael-denhollander-memoir-children-book-larry-nassar-survivor/3070443002/|title=Rachael Denhollander, leading voice against Larry Nassar's abuse, writes memoir, children's book|work=USA Today|date=March 10, 2019|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-date=March 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314011418/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2019/03/05/rachael-denhollander-memoir-children-book-larry-nassar-survivor/3070443002/|url-status=live}} In September 2019, Tyndale published these books, plus a third, Discover Your True Worth.{{cite web |title=Tyndale> Authors> Rachael Denhollander |url=https://www.tyndale.com/authors/rachael-denhollander/3944 |website=Tyndale.com |accessdate=24 September 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924112554/https://www.tyndale.com/authors/rachael-denhollander/3944 |url-status=live }} In March 2022, Denhollander published an additional children's book titled How Much Is a Little Boy Worth?
Personal life
In 2006, Denhollander met her husband, Jacob. They have four children together: Jonathan, Annaliese, Ellianna and Elora.{{cite web|url=http://people.com/sports/former-gymnast-who-claims-dr-larry-nassar-molested-her-my-family-is-my-safe-place/|title=Former Gymnast Who Claims Dr. Larry Nassar Molested Her: My Family Is 'My Safe Place'|work=People|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518055118/http://people.com/sports/former-gymnast-who-claims-dr-larry-nassar-molested-her-my-family-is-my-safe-place/|url-status=live}} Elora was given the middle name of Renee to honor Michigan State University Det. Lt. Andrea Renee Munford, "who fought for us and made redeeming so much evil, possible."{{Cite news|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/07/21/rachael-denhollander-newborn-daughter-michigan-state-police-detective-andrea-munford-larry-nassar/812048002/|title=Rachael Denhollander names newborn daughter after MSU detective who built Nassar case|work=Lansing State Journal|access-date=July 21, 2018|language=en|archive-date=August 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803084214/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/07/21/rachael-denhollander-newborn-daughter-michigan-state-police-detective-andrea-munford-larry-nassar/812048002/|url-status=live}}
The Denhollanders live in Louisville, Kentucky, and are members of the Reformed Baptist Church of Louisville. Jacob is a PhD student at University of Wales Trinity Saint David.[https://twitter.com/jj_denhollander?lang=en]
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://rachaeldenhollander.com Rachael Denhollander], Official Website
- [https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/january-web-only/rachael-denhollander-larry-nassar-forgiveness-gospel.html My Larry Nassar Testimony Went Viral. But There’s More to the Gospel Than Forgiveness.], ChristianityToday.com
{{Arthur Ashe Courage}}
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Category:American female artistic gymnasts
Category:Activists from Louisville, Kentucky
Category:Lawyers from Louisville, Kentucky