'Opinion: They left us at the disposal of a predator': How the FBI failed US gymnasts

Imagine a child crying out in agony to any adult or law enforcement official who would listen: "I'm being hurt and sexually abused; please help me!"

That's precisely what at least 13 U.S. gymnasts — most underaged girls at the time — asked the FBI to do as they were sexually assaulted by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. But their pleas were ignored for nearly two years. Now they are rightfully demanding $130 million in compensation for their pain and suffering.

"To know the FBI could have helped to avoid this trauma — it disgusts me, and it hurts me," said Grace French, a Nassar survivor and president of The Army of Survivors. "This incredible systemic breakdown shows that there is needed change in the way that the FBI responds to cases of abuse. We need to continue to pursue accountability for the institutions that allowed athletes and children to continue to see Nassar long after reports were made. They left us at the disposal of a predator."

Nassar continued to abuse

On Wednesday, a federal tort claim was filed by attorneys representing the women who say they suffered "significant and irreparable personal injuries" because of the FBI's abject failure to act when agents first received allegations that Nassar was sexually abusing gymnasts.

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While the agency's faux investigation lingered, Nassar sexually assaulted at least 120 women and children, according to Antoinette Frazho, one of the attorneys representing Nassar's survivors.

"Imagine allowing a sexual predator to continue doing these horrific acts on women and children for 16 more months, wreaking his sick terror on them," Frazho said. "And not only did these women and children suffer these unspeakable sexual assaults over and over again, but now they must live with the emotional and mental trauma that permeates their lives every single day. If the FBI had done its job, protected women and children from this monster, Nassar's access to them could have been stopped."

There are days at work when we pick up the phone feeling less than engaged. There are days when things land in our inbox that can be delayed. Sometimes we're even disinterested. But the immediate emotional and physical safety of any person should be an urgent priority, particularly for law enforcement officials.

Newspaper exposed Nassar's abuse

In 2018, Nassar pleaded guilty to federal and state charges and was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison. Nassar's sexual abuse was exposed in a September 2016 investigation by The Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network.

But Nassar could have been stopped sooner. And these women have a right to legally challenge the disgraceful ineptitude and inaction of the FBI.

"This didn't have to happen," said Jamie White, an attorney representing Nassar's survivors. "This is an egregious, unthinkable breakdown. We spend a lot of time and resources for those of us that do this type of work, encouraging young people and all people to report sexual abuse when it occurs. If we can't report sexual abuse to the most powerful law enforcement agency, arguably in the world, then where can it be reported to?"

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We think they'll come when we are in need — the men and women who have taken an oath to help us, to save us. We believe in their commitment to this country, to individuals. But they continue to fail us. And they must be held accountable.

"The FBI, a government institution charged with protecting citizens, failed to protect children and athletes," French said. "They put their selfishness above our well-being, and that lack of action by the FBI caused avoidable trauma for survivors like myself. No one should have been assaulted after the summer of 2015."

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For years we've been screaming: "Believe women." Yet these pleas continue to fall silent. This case wasn't bungled by the FBI; it was simply ignored.

If nothing else, these legal proceedings will elevate the cries: "Believe us. Help us. Please."

Suzette Hackney is a member of USA TODAY’S Editorial Board. Contact her at shackney@usatoday.com or on Twitter: @suzyscribe

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: Larry Nassar's victims asked FBI for help. But they were ignored.