About
RACHAEL 
DENHOLLANDER

Rachael Denhollander is an attorney, author, advocate, and educator who is recognized as a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse. Possessing a unique blend of professional skills and personal experiences she is a sought- after speaker,and consultant. Her grasp of theology, legal issues and investigative practices are coupled with a trauma-informed, deeply compassionate understanding of the realities facing survivors of sexual abuse and their path toward healing. Rachael bridges the gap between survivors and the communities and institutions that may have failed them. 

 

Rachael Denhollander became known internationally in 2016 as the first woman to pursue criminal charges and speak publicly against USA Gymnastics’ team doctor Larry Nassar, one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. As a result of her activism, over 300 women—including numerous Olympic medalists — came forward as survivors of Nassar’s abuse, eventually leading to his life imprisonment. Her courageous tenacity and ongoing advocacy helped to bring accountability to former executives for their complicity in covering up Nassar’s abuse and lying about what they knew.

 

In 2019 she published an autobiographical account of her experience entitled, What is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics. She later authored a companion children’s book entitled, How Much is a Little Girl Worth. 

 

Denhollander has extensive experience working with churches and christian organizations helping them understand how to lead with courage and integrity through crisis, how to communicate their values within their organizations and to the public, and how to properly respond to reports of abuse. She has advised the Southern Baptist Conference Task Force following their abuse scandals,  as well as the boards of some of the nation’s largest universities as they seek to address failures to adequately respond to abuse.  With extensive experience in the political realm, she has proven an effective advocate in helping push through vital legislative

changes at the state level to make it easier for survivors of abuse to obtain

justice.

 

For her work as an advocate and educator on sexual assault, Denhollander was named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and one of Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year” in 2018. Additionally, she received the “Inspiration of the Year” award from Sports Illustrated, was a joint recipient of ESPN’s “Arthur Ashe Courage Award,” and was named a “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, along numerous other awards and recommendations.

 

Denhollander holds a Juris Doctorate from Oak Brook College of Law and possesses an honorary doctorate from the American University of Paris. Denhollander lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Jacob and their children.