ST. GEORGE – The Utah Coalition Against Pornography (UCAP) is proud to sponsor The Hope Effect, a conference designed to help individuals, families and communities learn how to protect themselves and heal from the effects of pornography. The conference will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Dixie Convention Center.  Attendees will hear from a number of experts, health professionals and community leaders, including Elder Anthony D. Perkins, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who will offer the opening keynote address. Matt Fradd, podcaster with Integrity Restored (www.integrityrestored.com) and author of the book The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography, will present the closing keynote speech. The conference will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics including talking to children about pornography, reviving struggling relationships, and healing from the betrayal of pornography addiction.

“Education is the first step to protecting ourselves from the harms of pornography,” said Amy Smith, UCAP executive director.

The conference is designed to provide families, community members, and leaders with solutions and support so that they feel more confident and effective in helping others live happier lives free from pornography.

“Pornography causes such a disruption in people’s lives and we want people to know there is help available,” said Pamela Atkinson, chair of UCAP.

Registration and more information is online now at utahcoalition.org. Tickets start at just $16 and attendees under the age of 25 with a valid student ID can register for free! In addition, licensed clinical social workers will earn continuing education credits by attending approved classes. Plus, conference attendees will have a chance to check out all of the organizations that are sponsoring resource booths on technology, recovery, community action, and prevention.

With the 2016 declaration by the Utah Legislature citing pornography as a public health crisis (S.C.R.9, https://le.utah.gov/~2016/bills/static/scr009.html), conferences like this are essential to educating the public about the dangers pornography poses to our communities. Past conference attendees report that by attending the UCAP conference they gained the know-how to help loved ones who suffer from an addiction to pornography, and how to be more open teaching young people.

Presenters will include Troy Davis on technology safeguards in your home; Deanna Lambson on Being a First Responder in Your Home: 5 Positive Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know; Jeff Ford on Getting out of the Addiction Cycle; Tray and Melody Lovvorn on The Healing Journey from Sexual Addiction; Leslie Haws on Partner Relationship Betrayal; Adam Moore on Seven Days Sober; Kristen Jenson on 10 Essentials Every Porn-Immune Kid Knows; Carmel White on The Spiritual Implications for Women After They Learn of Their Husband’s Pornography Addiction and more.

Click here for more information and to register: utahcoalition.org

For media credential contact: Amy Smith, 425-577-4855, am*@ut***********.org