Experts gathered Saturday in Towson for a conference to help survivors of sexual abuse release the trauma, and it was an emotional, yet empowering event.

The Release the Baggage conference encouraged attendees not to be afraid to heal or to revisit past hurts and trauma. It embodied empowerment and provided guidance on how to unleash all the deep-seeded emotions and pain from abuse through motivational speakers.

Latarsha Haughton, author of “Breaking The Silence,” was sexually abused by her biological father and conceived his son.

“I learned how to keep a secret,” Haughton said.

She told the audience at the conference how to seek help and how to emotionally free themselves of the trauma and guilt. Her message to children is equally powerful.

“The message to them is tell someone. Break your silence. Because if you don’t, you will stay stagnated and you won’t be able to move forward. You will…