What is Erin’s Law?
Erin’s Law is named after childhood sexual assault survivor, author, speaker and activist Erin Merryn, who is the founder and President of Erin’s Law, which is registered with the State of Illinois and the IRS as a 501 (c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization.
After Erin introduced the legislation in her home state of Illinois, the bill was named “Erin’s Law” after her by legislators and it has caught on nationwide. Illinois is the first state by law to mandate child sexual abuse prevention. Vermont state board of education required this in schools since 2009. As of July 2019 Erin’s Law has been passed in 37 states.
“Erin’s Law” requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program with teaches:
Get Involved
Want to make a real difference in your community? Help prevent child sexual abuse!
The silent epidemic is taking place all around us but you can help bring it to an end by simply making sure that people start talking about it. The more we bring child sexual abuse out into the open, the more likely we can prevent it and can properly support victims.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of projects:
- Meet with and assist your local school system administration to ensure that Erin’s Law is being properly implemented on your local level.
- If you are a survivor of sexual assault, a family member or friend of a victim, speak out! Share your experience and help others who may still be struggling.
- Find speakers and arrange public speaking opportunities for them with school districts, PTAs, churches and other local community organizations to educate school personnel, parents and the general public about how to prevent child sexual abuse, support victims and promote resources.
- Contact your local media and encourage them to broadcast/publish stories about child sexual assault problems and solutions.
- Assist child sexual abuse victims and their families to find the emotional, legal and financial resources they need to overcome sexual assaults.
For Children
If you’re a student that has experienced any form of abuse you are not alone and this is not your fault. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You would be surprised how many of your peers have experienced similar abuse.
If you have not told anyone you need to tell immediately a safe trusted adult. Think of people in your life that care about you and you trust. That could be a parent, teacher, relative, school counselor or principal, someone in your church, family friend, or coach.
If it is too difficult to talk about it you can write a letter explain what has or is happening to you and give it to a trusted adult.
You can also immediately contact police by calling 911. If you report your abuse and it does not stop report it to another adult in your life. Do not keep it a secret even if you are threatened to and told no one will believe you. You will be believed.
If you have a friend or family member that has told you that they are being abused and have told you not to tell anyone you must not keep it a secret and report it immediately. They may be upset at first but they will not stay mad at you forever.
You can call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to speak to someone. You can also talk to someone online at https://www.rainn.org. All free services.
Finally get help. Talking about your abuse is difficult however it is the best thing for you in healing your life. Keeping it in will only slow the process with moving forward. A therapist with experience working with survivors is the best place to start. Make sure you feel comfortable with the therapist you work with. Just because you see one doesn’t mean you have to stick with seeing that therapist. They will not be offended and will be understanding. Group therapy is also something to look into. I highly recommend keeping a journal.
Obtain and raise funds from financial sponsors and the public to finance educational outreach efforts.
