Published on VoiceWaves website on March 6, 2013
Proponents for sex-abuse education, including “Erin’s Law” sponsor Erin Merryn, came together to speak about the issue at the Long Beach Memorial Hospital last Friday.
“Many of my constituents, especially young women, are at-risk for abuse and human trafficking,” said Long Beach Councilmember Dee Andrews, who invited . “This will be an incredible opportunity to discuss how community leaders can modernize and implement Erin’s Law, as well as make a point that the City of Long Beach is obligated to protect our children from all types of harm and violence.”
Merryn was sexually assaulted when she was just six years old and faced sexual abuse at the hands of a teenage cousin from the ages of 11 to 13. Erin’s Law, which just passed in Merryn’s home state of Illinois, requires schools to teach children how to protect themselves against sexual predators and the difference between safe and unsafe touching as well as the difference between safe and unsafe secrets.
Currently, Erin’s Law has been passed in six states and is being introduced and voted on in 10 states. Merryn hopes to eventually get the law enacted into all 50 states.
Other speakers at the event included Angela Rose, Founder and Executive Director of the national nonprofit Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE) and PAVE Ambassador and Real World star Sarah Rice. The video above highlights Merryn and Rice’s views on sexual abuse education.
For more information on Erin’s Law, go HERE.
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