Sexual harassment and abuse can happen anywhere, and the U.S. Olympics is no exception. Longtime gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, will spend the rest of his life in prison for sexually abusing more than 150 women and girls over the past two decades. Nassar used his position as a USA Gymnastics doctor to sexually assault athletes under the guise of providing them with medical treatment.
“Broken System” Subjects Athletes to Sexual Misconduct
Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman has now come forward with a lawsuit against the US Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Gymnastics (USAG), Michigan State and others, claiming that they were aware of Nassar’s abuse and failed to take appropriate action. Raisman, a two-time Olympian, stated in her complaint that she was sexually abused by Nassar at the Karolyi Ranch, at national and international competitions, and at the 2012 London Olympics.
Raisman claims that the USOC and USAG have not properly addressed the allegations and are unwilling to conduct a full investigation. She believes that for changes to be implemented, there must first be a thorough understanding of how the sexual misconduct happened. Raisman stated that she is pushing for change so that future generations of athletes will be safer. She hopes to prompt the organizations to examine the system that allowed hundreds of young athletes to be sexually abused.
Raisman’s attorney stated that the athletes would have never been molested by Nassar had the USOC followed their bylaws, policies and procedures. They instead attempted to cover up the scandal by ignoring and threatening those who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. While Raisman is skeptical that the USOC investigation will be independent or comprehensive, she hopes that the justice system will expose the truth and hold the organizations accountable.
The USOC and USAG previously denied wrongdoing, and have since issued a statement claiming that they are committed to preventing sexual misconduct from happening again. Meanwhile, more gymnasts are filing suit against Nassar and the organizations associated with the sex abuse scandal. Notably, the first male gymnast has alleged sexual assault, battery, abuse, molestation and harassment by Nassar in a civil federal suit against Nassar, Michigan State, the university’s board of trustees, USAG and others.
Sexual Misconduct in the Medical Profession
Some medical professionals, like Larry Nassar, use their position of power to exploit vulnerable patients who come to them for treatment. Sexual misconduct can occur in doctors’ offices, hospitals and nursing homes. Although it may be difficult to come forward against these abusers, especially when they hold prominent positions, it is important to hold them accountable for their actions and prevent them from harming others in the future.
The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners will suspend or revoke the licenses of medical professionals who are found guilty of sexual misconduct. Offenders may also face other legal penalties and costs as a result of investigations and prosecution.
Red Bank Sexual Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Represent Victims of Medical Profession Sexual Misconduct and Abuse
If you were subject to any non-consensual sexual behavior by a medical professional, contact the Red Bank sexual harassment lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding abusers accountable. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, including those in Red Bank, Marlton, Middletown and Cherry Hill.
Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Jersey.