Rachel Denhollander’s book, What is a Girl Worth?, shares her story of sexual abuse as a child and particularly as a teen at the hands of Larry Nasser, gymnastics doctor for the USA Gymnastics team. This book is a must read. Though it was hard and very painful to read at times, I realized how necessary it was for me in order to better understand what victims of sexual abuse go through. She also speaks to the experience and shame of being a victim and the difficulties they go through. Her vulnerability and compassionate handling of this topic is a call to action to pursue justice for victims and for the church to defend and protect women.
Just a brief look at the National Sexual Assault Resource Center reveals stagering statistics. 1 in 5 women in the US experience attempted or complete rape in their lifetime, 81% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harrassment or assault in thier lifetime, and 1 in 3 female victims of attempted or completed rape were between the ages of 11 and 17 (https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics). Yet too often the conversation surrounding sexual abuse is silent, bringing more hurt to the victims. Denhollander’s story forces us to deal with the fact that as a society and church are horrible at honoring and helping victims of sexual abuse. However, her story also offers us a way forward, as she explains the shame and trauma a victim of sexual abuse goes through. She spares no detail of what she and others endured at the hands of Nasser, and sadly, even how the church failed to respond well.
Denhollander took a stand (and is still taking a stand) to protect young girls and women. She stood up despite the cost to herself and her family in order to be a voice for women and girls everywhere who have endured sexual abuse. She highlights an issue that we as a church especially need to be aware of. An issue that we have too often failed to respond properly to. She also offers hope, showing us how to respond with both love and justice for the victims. This book will change the way you think about sexual abuse and assault, forcing you to figure out what you believe and to reflect over how you have responded to those around you who have endured sexual abuse. And for someone who’s a victim of sexual abuse, Denhollander’s story is one of hope that justice is possible, and that victims of sexual abuse are not alone.
I encourage you to pick up this book, read it, and prayerfully reflect over the things God brings to light in your own life as you consider Denhollander’s story. You can find her book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tyndale, and Indiebound. You can also check out her website at rachaeldenhollander.com.