Abuse leaves scars that run far deeper than the visible, and for many survivors, the question of justice can feel both urgent and impossible. In a world where wrongdoing is too often ignored or minimised, navigating the aftermath of trauma is a complex and painful journey—one that challenges not only survivors but the communities around them.
Rachael Denhollander, renowned advocate and pioneer in the fight against abuse, joins us in person for the first time in the UK to share her experience as a survivor of childhood abuse. She reflects on the realities of seeking justice, the courage it takes to speak out, and the role that faith, accountability, and community play in supporting survivors.
This conversation offers a sobering yet hopeful look at what justice can mean for those who have suffered, how society can respond more faithfully, and the ways we might walk alongside survivors with empathy, respect, and commitment. Whether you are supporting someone affected by abuse or grappling with questions of accountability and healing, this interview provides a vital and illuminating perspective.
Rachael Denhollander is a lawyer, author, advocate, and educator who is recognised as a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse.
She became known internationally in 2016 when she was the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics (USAG) doctor, of sexual assault. Her advocacy and testimony inspired many other victims to step forward with their own accounts of abuse, and also proved crucial in uncovering decades of abuse and cover-up. A lawyer by training, she was praised for her bravery and the strategic approach she took to accusing Nassar, which allowed her to succeed where many women (including her 15-year-old self) had previously failed. Since Nassar’s conviction, she has spoken out against similar cover-ups in other public, government, and religious organisations. For her heroic efforts, she was chosen as the 2018 Glamour ‘Woman of the Year’, and was included in Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ of 2018.
For the first time since Nassar’s conviction, and the publication of her books - What is a Girl Worth? (2019), How Much is a Little Girl Worth? (2019), and How Much is a Little Boy Worth? (2022), Denhollander travelled to the UK to speak publicly about her experience of fighting for justice where there previously was none.
