In April we hosted our first-ever virtual screening of At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal. In addition to debuting our film discussion guide, we also partnered with Childhelp to offer a Live Tweet Q&A session on Twitter. Staff from Childhelp answered viewers’ questions about preventing, responding to, and treating abuse.
Childhelp is one of the largest non-profit child abuse prevention and organizations in the nation, and helps victims of child abuse through education treatment & prevention programs. It is an honor to partner with them to create meaningful change.
Thank you to everyone who attended the screening! If you missed out but would like to see the Live Tweet conversation, simply search Twitter for the hashtag #ATHOGvirtual or click here to see the feed.
We thought this would be a good opportunity to learn more about how the film affected viewers’ level of awareness and understanding around abuse. Over 70 viewers responded to our post-screening survey, and we were so inspired to see the film certainly had an impact.
After watching At the Heart of Gold:
97% of viewers better understand how predators operate
96% of viewers better understand the power dynamics of abuse
93% of viewers better understand institutional betrayal
81% of viewers feel better prepared to help someone who discloses abuse
81% of viewers can better dispel myths and stereotypes around abuse
63% of viewers are likely to seek out additional education on the topic of sexual abuse
10.5% of viewers believe athletes in their communities are well-protected
Participants also shared personal comments like:
“This was so powerful! I cried and clapped along with the victims who found their courage and voices to come forward and speak at the sentencing hearing.”
“Fabulous presentation highlighted by personal narratives which made the viewer better understand and feel the tremendous violation and betrayal these young women suffered. Thank you for the opportunity to watch the film. May the survivors heal so that they can be whole again. Finally, may the surrounding communities be proactive and vigilant in their efforts to ensure that such travesties never happen again!”
“Thank you for what I anticipate will be a necessarily impactful documentary for so many individuals and institutions–inside and outside the sports context. I wish you the best of success and please let me know if I can assist in any way.”
We are planning additional virtual screenings of At the Heart of Gold, and we are encouraged to know the film and its associated materials, such as the discussion guide, are part of the change. Visit www.CourageFirst.org to learn more about how you can be part of this change and how to view the film.
