PREVENTING ABUSE IN SPORTS TAKES
We hope to inspire that courage
What is Courage First
Courage First is an abuse education initiative created by The Foundation for Global Sports Development to build awareness around sexual abuse in sport.
We collaborate with survivors, universities, and leading abuse prevention organizations to host educational film screenings and discussions panels around the country.
At The Heart Of Gold: Inside The USA Gymnastics Scandal
Host a Screening
Watch Sidewinder Films’ compelling documentary, At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal to spark discussion and inspire action.
To host a screening, complete the form above or send an email to couragefirst@gsdswf.org. At the Heart of Gold is also currently available to stream on HBO NOW and HBO GO.
We encourage those hosting a film screening to utilize our Discussion Guide to help foster engagement and to tackle these complex topics together.
Complete the form below or send an email to couragefirst@gsdswf.org to host a screening today. *required
RESULTS OF PREVIOUS EVENTS
of survey respondents said they feel more prepared to help someone who discloses abuse
of survey respondents said they better understand how predators operate
of survey respondents said they better understand the power dynamics of abuse
DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION GUIDE
To delve deeper into the complexities presented in the film, we encourage you to use our Discussion Guide. The guide provides viewers with thought-provoking engagement activities as well as education on how to continue the conversation in your own community.
Audience Support
When hosting a screening — virtual or in-person — please be prepared to provide the following items to your audience members:
Content Warning: This film contains details of sexual abuse some may find disturbing. Sensitive viewers, please be advised. Given the subject matter, viewers may have a strong reaction to parts of the film. Though visuals are not graphic, much of the information in the documentary is of a sensitive nature. We encourage you to practice self-care as you watch the film. This may include taking breaks, checking in with yourself, and reaching out to a trusted loved one or support resource.
On-Site Counseling: If you are hosting a film screening, it is your responsibility to provide resources to your audience. If possible, please have someone trained in crisis or sexual assault support in attendance to assist if a viewer is inspired to disclose abuse. At a minimum, you should provide contact information for local and national support organizations (please see below).
Respond to a Disclosure: In the event of an abuse disclosure or suspected abuse, it is important to understand reporting guidelines and best practices. We put together this free guide to accompany film screenings, assist you in supporting survivors, and educate around prevention.
Our Partners
UC Speaks Up
We have partnered with UC Speaks Up to bring Courage First to University of California students. Together, we offer students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in virtual screenings and discussions of the Emmy-nominated At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (ATHOG)
About the Project
This partnership was born out of research done by UC Speaks Up and the UC Global Health Institute examining sexual violence prevention among collegiate athletes. The research shows that current resources for sexual violence support have been limited and additional programs for sexual violence prevention are necessary.
About UC Speaks Up
The research team at UC Speaks Up is led by three small but deeply committed teams of student, staff, and faculty investigators from UCLA, UCSD, and UCSB. Their work is supported by the UC San Diego Center on Gender Equity and Health (GEH) and the UC Global Health Institute’s Women’s Health, Gender and Empowerment Center of Expertise
WATCH DISCUSSION PANEL RECORDINGS
"At the Heart of Gold" Panel Discussion - UCLA Virtual Screening
October 14, 2020
All research team members have received formal training on trauma-informed practices, research ethics and compliance, how to conduct safe and ethical research on intimate partner violence, and qualitative research methods. UC Speaks Up is equipped with resources to support survivors that are confidential and accessible both on and off campus.
Resources
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to help.
Specialized sports crisis counselors available Mon-Fri, 12pm-8pm PST
Calls outside of business hours are routed to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline available 24/7.
Stewards of Children® Training from Darkness to Light
Organization leaders, staff, and parents create the first layer of protection for youth, and they are ultimately responsible for ensuring all children and teens remain protected from abuse. In the event abuse occurs, adults must follow all protocols and procedures swiftly to fully address the issue.
We have teamed up with Darkness to Light to provide online certification, free of charge, through their Stewards of Children® program.
Click here to begin training and receive certification at no cost
RESPONDING TO A DISCLOSURE
In the event of an abuse disclosure or suspected abuse, it is important to understand reporting guidelines and best practices. We put together this free guide to accompany film screenings, assist you in supporting survivors, and educate around prevention:
NATIONAL HELP HOTLINES
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Adult Protective Services Hotline
24/7 assistance for people to report abuse or neglect of older adults or adults with disabilities: 866-800-1409 -
Between Friends:
Domestic violence crisis hotline: 800-603-4357 -
Children of the Night Hotline
The Children of the Night home is open to child prostitutes throughout the United States, and their Hotline is ready and able to rescue them 24 hours a day by providing free taxi/airline transportation nationwide: 1-800-551-1300 -
Covenant House NinelineHelpline
for homeless youth throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who aren’t near a shelter or facility and need immediate assistance: 800-999-9999 -
Darkness to Light
Toll-free number for individuals living in the United States who need local information and resources about sexual abuse: 866-367-5444 or text “LIGHT” TO 741741 -
Domestic Violence Helpline
Report domestic violence: 800-799-7233 -
Hopeline
The Hopeline Network brings together the knowledge and critical services of existing Crisis Centers all under the net of a toll-free number that is available to all: 1-800-SUICIDE -
National Runaway Safeline
A crisis care hotline that can provide you with assistance 24/7/365. The NRS connects you to help through hotline, online, and offline resources. NRS also provides a family reunification program through Greyhound Lines, Inc.: 1-800-RUNAWAY
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National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area: 800-656-4673 -
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free and confidential support for people in distress and for prevention and crisis resources. Live help 24/7: 800-273-825 -
Rainn National Sexual Assault Hotline
Organization that operates national sexual assault hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE -
Adult Protective Services Hotline
24/7 assistance for people to report abuse or neglect of older adults or adults with disabilities: 866-800-1409 -
Stop It Now!
National helpline for adults living concerned for the safety of a child and don’t know what to do: 1-888-773-2362
Available Monday from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and Fridays from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m -
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Professional crisis counselors providing assistance in 170 languages. Crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to emergency, social service, and support resources: 1-800-4-A-CHILD -
The Trevor Project
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youthOpen 24/7: 866-488-7386 -
Trans Lifelines
Peer support line run by and for transgender individuals: 877-565-8860Open 7 AM —1 AM pt / 9 AM—3 AM ct / 10 AM —4 AM. Volunteers may be available during off hours. -
U.S. Center for Safesport
An independent nonprofit committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport: 720-531-0340
