Courageous Champion of Truth

Denise Ilitch show

“The fact that I can define evil means there is goodness.” Rachael Denhollander

Denise talks to Rachael Denhollander, attorney and the former gymnast who was the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics’ team doctor, of sexual assault. 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. Rachael is most proud that by coming forward she’s been able to positively impact so many others.

In this important conversation Rachael sheds light on the grieving process for sexual abuse survivors, and how she learned to effectively communicate and verbalize her emotions. A tireless advocate, she aims to help both survivors and those to whom misconduct is reported.

Rachael and Denise touch on these crucial questions:

—How do we listen and respond, especially to children?

—What does trauma look like?

—What should we NOT say to someone who reports abuse?

—Why are we not more disturbed by sexual misconduct and how can we stop it?

—How does the neurobiological response effect victims of sexual assault?

Rachael recounts a moving story of the day her two-year old daughter accompanied her to the Glamour Magazine photo shoot. Her deeply held faith has given her hope and the courage to pay the price of doing what is right to help people, whose worth far exceeds the sacrifice.

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Born in Kalamazoo Michigan, Rachael Joy Denhollander is an attorney, author, advocate, and educator recognized as a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse. A sought-after speaker, advisor and consultant, Rachael has received numerous awards and was included in TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. She has published three books that speak to a person’s worth and the value of their truth. Rachael holds a Juris Doctorate from Oak Brook College of Law and an honorary doctorate from the American University of Paris. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Jacob and their four young children.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents.

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