For the 3rd year in a row, and also in coordination with C.H.O.P, I had the pleasure of giving a presentation to first year medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania) on the topic of child sexual abuse (CSA).

Each year it is my favorite group to present to and I love working with the doctors that coordinate the lecture.  Educating future medical professionals on this topic, discussing the long term effects of CSA, and providing the opportunity for an open forum of Q&A is what takes awareness to action items. It also helps prepare them in the event they are the first to be told an individuals history of abuse.  Additionally, we were able to discuss the reporting process, child advocacy centers [like the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance] and how that all works.  The greatest compliment came after the lecture when a student came to me and said ” they appreciate text book learning and lectures but nothing stays with them more then to hear personal stories and be able to ask questions to a real person”! A clear reminder of answering life’s calling and the power we all have to change lives!

~ Rhett Hackett – President/Co-Founder