Lauren Michaelek
for too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. His time is up. This is our chance at the justice system to support each victim and show every person out there that these crimes are not okay and that these evil and sick men must be punished for the hurt and the pain that they caused.
date of testimony: January 22th 2018
location of testimony: Lansing, Michigan
read by court official Ms Liddell
When I think back to the many years ago that this crime happened to me it makes me feel disgust that had — that a man that was so respected in the community could take such advantage of a girl who was only in the eighth grade and in need of his medical help. He used his position of power as a doctor to do inappropriate things to me as a patient, and I am so angry with myself that I never said anything, but he was a doctor and I trusted him.
Little did I know that he was the last person I should be trusting.
These feelings that I carry with me because of this crime will never go away, unfortunately. Even with him behind bars, the pain, embarrassment, and disgust will never be washed away.
Part of me hates that this is so public because of who he was. It is constantly on the news or articles are being written. It just brings up all the negative emotions and feelings that I have each and every time, but the other part of me is glad that this is public.
There are many girls out there who have been victims of this powerful man as well as many other crimes like this and they are getting to see all the strong and powerful women who are choosing to stand up and speak the truth. It makes me feel proud to speak up and not be afraid anymore.
Oprah Winfrey said this perfectly, for too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. His time is up. This is our chance at the justice system to support each victim and show every person out there that these crimes are not okay and that these evil and sick men must be punished for the hurt and the pain that they caused.
With that being said, not only does justice need to be served, but prayers need to be prayed for this man and men like him. I’m not sure where things go wrong with a person, but it saddens me that people do these terrible things.
THE COURT: I agree with Oprah. I have heard, I believe, and it is not okay. It is outstanding that she is speaking out. Thank her for me.
