On February 14th, 2011, Illinois was the first state to pass Erin’s Law. Erin’s Law was created by Erin Merryn, a sexual assault survivor, author, speaker, and activist. Erin’s Law requires that public schools implement a prevention-based child sexual abuse program that teaches kids re-school through high school about how to recognize, report, and respond to sexual assault.
Erin was sexually abused starting at the age of six by a neighbor, and then once again by her older cousin at the age of eleven. Both of her abusers threatened her into silence, with only her childhood diary knowing this dark secret. Erin grew up, and realized that she didn’t want any other children to go through the same thing she did. Now she is on a mission to pass her law in all 50 states.
Because Erin’s Law was passed in 2011, myself, and many others I knew were not fortunate enough to receive this education as a child. What we know is that every 9 minutes, child protective services finds evidence for a claim of sexual abuse (rainn.org). Sexual abuse impacts so many children, yet prior to 2011, this was a topic that was shushed into complete silence. Before working at Safe Passage, I had never really talked about, nor thought about what sexual abuse was, or it’s impacts. After I started here, I shortly realized that I was a survivor of sexual abuse. Because I had not learned this at school, or been taught this at home, I had no idea that what I went through was abuse.
Many cases of sexual abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, or in my case, because of lack of understanding of what constitutes abuse. Talking about abuse can help de-stigmatize the topic. Here are some reasons why it’s important to teach Erin’s Law in schools:
- Awareness- By teaching children about body safety and boundaries, Erin’s Law empowers them to understand that they have a right to say “no” to anyone touching them, including family. It also allows them to recognize the difference between safe or unsafe touch and behavior.
- Intervention- Teaching children about body safety allows for early intervention if there’s abuse happening to a child. Children who are taught Erin’s Law are more likely to report abuse to a trusted adult.
- Prevention- Erin’s Law goes over the signs of abuse, but it also promotes what a healthy relationship looks like. By teaching consent, respect, and empathy, it can help prevent future abuse.
Safe Passage recognizes the importance of teaching Erin’s Law. We offer age appropriate presentations to students from pre-school through high school. We teach body safety, safe and unsafe touch, and safe adults to children pre-k through 4th grade by reading books. Starting in 5th grade, students start learning about what sexual abuse is, boundaries, consent, and how to help a friend if they are being abused. In high school, students learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships, digital boundaries, grooming, and the different definitions of what abuse is.
Erin’s Law represents hope, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in schools. Without it, many students like myself may not ever know the difference between healthy and abusive behaviors. It’s time to end the silence, and start talking about sexual violence. No one deserves to be abused.
Written by: Kirsti McNeece
