Athlete A: A Masterclass in Gaslighting
CONTENT WARNING: DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ABUSE
When it came to light that USA Gymnastics (USAG) had, for decades, covered up sexual abuse perpetrated by Larry Nassar – its team doctor – responses were varied. Alongside messages of support for women who came forward were insults and expressions of doubt: ‘if this really happened, why didn’t you report it earlier?’
It’s the same ‘gaslighting’ response that countless survivors of sexual abuse have faced, whereby victims are manipulated into questioning their own sanity.
This article is one in a series (Connecting with Culture) from the the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity.