Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Larry Nassar, former doctor for the United States Gymnastics National Team, used his position to perpetrate decades of sexual abuse against athletes in his charge. Utilizing Routine Activities Theory as a framework, specific case details are used to construct a larger picture of his systematic predation. An analysis of nearly 200 victim impact statements depicts a highly motivated offender, who carefully executed a plan to recruit, lure, and manipulate his patients. These ‘suitable targets’ trusted their doctor, needed his medical care, and aspired to be top performing athletes, making them vulnerable to his abuse. This case highlights the presence of parents, professional colleagues, and other adults who were aware of the behaviors but ignored the abuse allowing the sexual attacks to continue. A call for capable guardianship and heightened consequences for failures to report sexual abuse are discussed.