- [Announcer] Kerri Strug is hurt.

- [Heather] At age 11,Rachael Denhollander watched

as Dr. Larry Nassar helpedinjured gymnast Kerri Strug

during the 1996 Olympics.

So when she visited therenowned Michigan State doctor

four years later for herown gymnastics injury,

she assumed his sexual assault

of her was legitimate medicaltreatment for pelvic issues.

Nassar would abuse theteenager repeatedly.

Standing at the exam tableto block her mother's view.

Denhollander reported Nassar to her coach

who told her to keep quiet

citing the doctor'soutstanding reputation.

Then in 2016, she tried again,

following a report on USAGymnastics burying reports

of abuse.

- I was very embarrassed.

- [Heather] This time as a lawyer,

she understood full wellthe powers she faced.

- [Rachael] I saw the dynamics.

If I speak out against Larry,

I'm speaking out againsta big time university.

I'm speaking out againstan Olympic governing body.

The sport that makes me most money

in the summer Olympics.

- [Heather] Denhollandertalked first to a reporter

and then to Michigan authorities.

Her story emboldened otherNassar victims to come forward

and on their behalf,Denhollander called in court

for a strong conviction against Nassar.

- I am asking that whenwe leave this courtroom,

we leave knowing

that when Larry was sexually aroused

and gratified by our violation,

when he enjoined our suffering,

when he took pleasure in our abuse,

that it was evil and wrong.

- [Heather] Then Denhollanderdelivered a stunning surprise.

When she told Nassar she waspraying for his salvation.

- I pray you experience thesoul crushing weight of guilt

so that you may somedayexperience true repentance

and true forgiveness from God,

which you need far morethan forgiveness from me,

though I extend that to you as well.

- [Heather] Today,Denhollander say that moment

followed years of wrestlingwith what had happened.

- And I think whenyou're able to understand

of both the concepts of forgiveness

and the concepts of eternal justice

and how much God hates sin

and how he comes back

to defend and protect his children

and how final redemption comes.

That frees you up as you heal

to be able to want that evenfor the worst of criminals.

- [Heather] She also creditsthe support of her husband.

- And he was my safe place to talk

or just to sit and be together.

- [Heather] Denhollanderrecounts her journey in the book

"What Is A Girl Worth?

"My story of breaking thesilence and exposing the truth

"about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics."

She says it's not just for survivors.

- I wrote it for people whoare walking alongside survivors

or want to understand better.

Because all of us have survivorsin our circle of friends.

You may not know thatyet, but all of us do.

- [Heather] She also wrote it

for the church.

Abusers target communitiesof faith, she says.

Which means leaders must respondcarefully to accusations.

- [Rachael] Survivors are always watching.

And predators are always watching.

They watch how you talk about abuse.

They watch how you respondto other instances of abuse.

And they know that's howmuch you really understand.

That's how much you really care.

That's what's going tohappen if I speak up.

- [Heather] Denhollandernever wanted abuse

to become her issue,

but she believes Godplaced her here for now.

She wants church leaders toadmit if they're not equipped

to handle abuse

and get necessary help.

She also feels it's important for specific

and detailed repentance

if and when they mishandle reports.

Denhollander says she expectsno less from her children

when they've done wrong.

- I require my children tosay, "I am sorry that I did,"

and to identifyspecifically what they did.

And that "it,"

and to identify the damage that was done,

and then to ask how can Irepair the relationship?

- [Heather] Denhollanderhas four children,

including baby Elora.

She wants them andtheir generation to know

just how much they are valued.

It's why she wrote a companionbook for little girls.

She wrestles with the factthat despite her best efforts

to protect them,

one of her children could also face abuse.

It's important they knowshe'll always provide

a safe place for them.

- We treat their concernslike they matter.

Because I want them to knowthat what you're thinking

and what you're feeling matters to mommy

and I'm going to listen to you.

- It's what Denhollanderwants for all victims.

To be treated like they matter.

Heather Sells, CBN News.