Sexual abuse is often something kept hidden, especially in certain communities.
But on Saturday, an event in Atlantic City will bring together experts that will bring the discussion out in the open.
Peace Amongst the Youth and BreakingAC joined to create the event, which is being sponsored by Neil Law, with help from Avantar and hosted at Ideal AC E-Sports in The Walk.
The event is one the coordinators hope will be the first in a series shedding light on topics that have been kept in the dark.
It’s about “making uncomfortable conversations comfortable,” says Kellie Cors, who founded Peace Amongst Youth.
Cors, who lost her 13-year-old son and 17-year-old nephew to gun violence, has been a longtime advocate for looking at ways to hold the city’s youth in trying to stem the violence.
“Our discussion is going to be about sexual abuse and your rights as survivors,” she said. “We are going to have a panel that will discuss what resources are available for survivors and the process it takes to get the services needed.”
Reporting on these topics from the criminal court system’s perspective, BreakingAC’s Lynda Cohen wanted to look at ways to have the community be informed and teach parents how to talk about the topic with their children.
It will “help parents with ice-breaker ideas to make this type of conversation comfortable within the home,” Cors said. “That way, if a child is being or already has been sexually assaulted, it may be easier to say something.:
With this series, Cors hopes to make the community more comfortable talking about these topics, and also give them the tools to get help for any issues.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and will be live-streamed on BreakingAC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Those attending both in person or viewing the live stream can also ask questions, and information will be available on where and how to reach out for help.
