ESCANABA — Tri-County Safe Harbor (TCSH) will present a free showing of the documentary “Athlete A” at 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, at First Presbyterian Church, 819 First Ave. S., Escanaba, MI.

The movie focuses on gymnasts who survived USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse.

It tells the inspiring story of how these athletes and their allies eventually stopped Nassar, offering insights into how abusers deceive and groom, as well as how they are enabled.

TCSH provides free services to survivors of sexual violence in Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties, and TCSH Crisis Advocate Tara Clark says she saw an increase in sexual assault survivors seeking help when the Nassar story was being covered in the news.

“The courage it took for these survivors to come forward is just inspiring, and that helped others speak out too,” said Clark. “It helped people here be brave enough to start, to take that step of getting help, of saying, ‘This happened to me as well.'”

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so TCSH is joining allies across the country who are working to raise awareness, honor survivors, listen to their stories, and learn more about how to end sexual violence and support victims/survivors.

“Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault,” said Liz Reed, TCSH executive director. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how much money you make. Each of us could become a victim. At Tri-County Safe Harbor, we’re here to help people who’ve been victimized–whether that’s domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. We’re here to help them find their footing and work toward healing.”

TCSH sometimes collaborates with the Child Advocacy Center, law enforcement, hospitals and various other agencies when working to support survivors.

TCSH advocates will be available at the event to support attendees as needed.

No donation is required to attend, but those who wish can make a free will donation or bring an item off TCSH’s monthly needs list, which can be viewed via TCSH’s website and Facebook page.

Victims of sexual violence can reach a TCSH advocate 24/7 via their Helpline: (906) 789-1166. Survivors also can schedule one-on-one emotional support sessions and/or find other support through the same number.