Oakland U coach breaks silence about sexual abuse

ROCHESTER, Mich. (AP) - Oakland University women's basketball coach Beckie Francis has been inspired by candid survivors of sexual abuse to speak out about her haunting childhood.

Francis tells The Associated Press she was sexually assaulted by her father from the age of 4 until the seventh grade. He has since died.

The 47-year-old coach has shared her story at a church in suburban Detroit and with her players. Francis has been prompted to be more proactive publicly because of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State and by similar stories of abuse at schools, churches and homes.

Francis will emcee an event on Oakland's campus on Thursday night that features Erin Merryn, who was sexually abused as a child and now campaigns for increased education and protections.

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