So I stayed silent. He got us quiet and continued to get away with it. Author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today Erin has appeared in People Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Time Magazine, The New York Times, Time Magazine, New York Post, The London Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, among others. Visiting Alaska this week, Erin Merryn is a long way from home, and even farther from the torturous past she endured as a sexually abused child. When I was six years old, I was sexually abused at a neighbor's house. She also wantsteachers andstafftrained on the topic. Is there anything about your life circumstances that you think made you a target? There is a misconception about this issue many people think sexual abuse only happens to the poor, to people who come from broken homes, etc. While these inhumane animals may live among us, there is one sexual abuse survivor who has made it her mission to empower children about these evil, sick people and teach them about body safety. She is the founder of Erin's Law, which requires public schools to teach children personal body safety on the prevention of child sexual abuse. Erins Law is a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Erin Merryn is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, An Unimaginable Act, Bailey No Ordinary Cat, and The Diary of a Cat Named Carrot. Eventually though the conversation has to shift and that question that I will never forget. It would be many more years until that voice would become the strong, confident woman that I have become. It was just the beginning of a long journey. The abuse continued until she was almost 9. Erin Merryn is a powerful speaker and advocate for countless, faceless children and adults in our country who have similarly suffered sexual abuse. MORE: Cancer-surviving mom stays strong for her son. Merryn is now taking her fight to the state of Alabama. We simply cannot stand by and allow these innocent kids to feel ashamed and live in fear at the hands of their abuser. I didnt want to talk to anyone about this. Merryn: There is so much shame and stigma attached to sexual abuse. At a family gathering at her grandparents' lake house, she awoke in the middle of the night to find her cousin "Brian" (again, not his real name), then 13, lying next to her with his hands down her underwear. They dont warn us about our own family, they dont teach us that in school, her age 12 entry stated. Merryn said the abuse only stopped because her family moved away. It is currently passed in 37 states as of January 2021. I remember walking out into the parking lot and feeling this sense of relief.Seven months later I would return back for the first time since my interview to begin a group with other girls who were survivors in January 1999. Children learn all kinds of safety lessons in schools, like how to deal with natural disasters, fires and strangers. Read more about Erin Merryn on her Erin's Law Facebook page and her website. Through her personal diary, written during the years of her abuse, Erin shares her journey through pain and confusion to inner strength and, ultimately, forgiveness. It allowed me to go on this mission to be a face and voice for millions by letting go of hatred and instead turning pain into a purpose. --TV host Katie Couric, 1992, 2002, and 2006 Woman of the Year.After suffering years of sexual abuse for six years of her childhood Erin broke her silence when she was 13 at a Children's Advocacy Center. Unfortunately, children who are abused once are at even higher risk of being abused again by someone else because they are vulnerable and easy to prey on. Last week the law passed in two more states, Virginia and Wyoming, bringing the total to 34. This went on for a month before police got involved. You will eventually hear about this law being passed in all 50 states, and I plan on one day taking it and making it international, said Erin. Almost all states that have passed it are using the program, while some states are deciding how their schools will implement It into the curriculum.. Gov. Two years later, though,whenErin was 11, she said her older teenage cousin started abusing her too. The only difference is now I am running from him in my dreams" (Merryn 49). Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. Instead I am still running from Brian. The cousin used the same tactic as her first abuser telling her no one would believe her and there was no proof. Erin Merryn is an author (Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, An Unimaginable Act), activist, and founder of Erin's Law. This law could have given me the ability to know I would be believed, that this is not a secret to keep, and how to report it. Nightmares. He did respond admitting what he did and saying he is using his past to not make the same mistakes now in his life. Hes grown into quite the little man and doesnt want me near the bathroom when he showers or gets dressed and I respect that. Do not use the phrases good touch and bad touch, says Merryn. Alaska Dispatch: Would something like what you are proposing -- Erin's Law -- have helped you? Alaska Dispatch: You were preyed upon not once, but twice (two different abusers during different stages of childhood). These can seem like powerful forces to go up against. Children are taught that the police are their to keep their communities safe and lock up the bad people. Merryn found her voice at 13 when her younger sister said the words she'll never forget: "Brian's gross!" It turned out cousin Brian was abusing Merryn's little sister, too. Young children tend to hear a lot of messages about avoiding interactions with people they don't know, when in reality they are far more likely to face harm from a relative or family friend. ABC News agreed to use her pen name and a false name for the man she says abused her. As an adult, she's reclaimed the voice her. Erin endured the abuse from age 6 to 8 and from 11 to 13 and felt the long-lasting effects of her guilt, shame and loss of innocence. I tell parents the best way to talk to kids about this is through the swimsuit lesson, Merryn said. Sexually abused as a. The yearly videos had educated me, so I knew to tell the stranger to keep his change. In 2013 Governor Quinn signed Erins Law mandating child sexual abuse education in all Illinois public schools. Here's a glimpse of her life and why she's on a quest for social change. Under Erins Law, the New Jersey Commissioner of Education must provide school districts with age-appropriate sample learning activities and resources designed to implement this requirement. [5] Innocence lost. She kept quiet, but behavior problems soon followed. She was named Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year in 2012 and a People magazine Hero Among Us for her tireless work promoting Erin's Law nationwide with a mission to our keep children safe by educating them about personal body safety. Because so often, people that are being abused do not report it until theyre in their 30s, 40s and 50s cause nobody ever gave them the message onhow tospeak up and tell, Merryn said. What are the most persistent knowledge gaps? My sister and I told our parents the next day (and) we were referred to the Children's Advocacy Center by police detectives to be interviewed. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images) You have permission to edit this article. She was honored for her efforts in 2012 as one of Glamour Magazines 2012 Women of the Year. My sister and I were the only girls that he was around all the time. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. That happened until I was 13. Choosing to forgive has led me to live for today.. The family pressed charges against Brian, who ultimately admitted to three counts of sexual abuse. She wasn't always successful. The first abuser, our neighbor, is someone I think who did this to any girl he had access to. (See Gary Glitter's sex scandal.). Alaska's version of Erin's Law is currently under consideration by the Alaska State Legislature as House Bill 233. My goal in life is to give a voice to the voiceless and put these predators out of business, she said. Mar 22, 2018 Erin Merryn, survivor of sexual abuse as a child and the driving force behind Erin's Law, speaks to an auditorium full of students at Metamora Township High School last Monday, March 12. Wow, I have a decision to make. Erin Merryn was an innocent child of six when her best friend asked her to sleepover. Erin's Law was the first law passed in the United States requiring sexual abuse prevention education to be taught to students in school every year, and it was subsequently passed in 38 U.S. states before being signed into federal law. Two days later, their cousin was brought into the police station. 25 $. Merryn: I reclaimed my voice in the Children's Advocacy Center. After Bailey's passing, she adopted a kitten named Carrot. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio Senate is considering a bill to teach elementary, middle and high school students how to protect themselves from sexual predators. Soon it was no longer our secret and I was behind a different closed door not the one to a bedroom, a bathroom, basement, or closet but this time into a colorful room with a small table and bright light shinning through the skylight. Do you know if it was as healing for him as it was for you? However, Merryn said this time the perpetrator was an older cousin, someone she had viewed as a brother figure. After graduating, Erin went on to earn her Masters degree in social work, but from time to time she would still consult her little pink childhood diary. Erin said the abuse stopped after her sister spoke up about her own abuse. But when it came to being sexually abused, there was nothing. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Have there been times in your life when haven't done well? But her nightmare was just beginning. Merryn travels the country bearing witness to what happened to her in hopes of encouraging states to enact laws requiring sexual abuse education in schools. Named by PEOPLE Magazine a HEROES Among us and one of fifteen women changing the world. They never came, so I stayed silent. I remember being so utterly confused.. In 2010, Merryn began a crusade to get Erin's Law passed across America. Requiring personal body safety education in public schools. Merryn now had a duty as a big sister to protect her younger sibling. A safe touch could be a high five or hug and an unsafe touch is someone touching you in the areas covered by your swimsuit, or your private parts, Merryn said. In 2010, Merryn helped create Erin's Law, which was the first law to be passed in the U.S. that required children to be taught sexual abuse prevention in school. House Bill 105 overwhelminglypassed the Ohio Housea year ago. What do you think made him want to apologize, finally? Acting out both at home and in school, she was given an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and was told she was just going through a phase; that her parents brief separation was the probable root cause. "Alabama needs this law because just like everywhere else in America . Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin's Law.' I also encourage parents to have a code word with their kids, she said. This law requires personal body safety taught to children Pre-K to 12th grade through an age appropriate curriculum. 35. It is when they hear my story of how I was raped, and how my abusers controlled the situation by being the only ones talking to me about what was happening, that they "get it." She broke down and cried and said Erin's Law could have saved her as a child, but instead she only got the message from her abuser, who she knew, and stayed silent. We live in a society that keeps it hushed and (there is) so much taboo around it; people are afraid to speak up and say this happened to them. Do you still stay in contact with him? I remember reading this thinking, they dont teach us that in school. She urged kids to come forward if they or someone they know is being sexually abused. Merryn didn't tell anyone until she was 13 and she suspected her sister was also being abused. Every parent should do their homework before they send their kids anywhere. (2013) CNN Newsroom Self - Child Abuse Survivor. She shows no signs of fatigue, and she seems ready. EN. While the party was going on, and my friend's mom was in the house, this neighbor cornered me in a bathroom and abused me. She earned a master's degree from Aurora University in social work. Thats precisely why she does what she does. Buccos bill requires all school districts to incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention education in grades preschool through 12 as part of Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Childhood sexual abuse survivor turned author, speaker, child advocate and activist Erin Merryn is the founder and president of Erin's Law. (2016) Consider This Self - Author and Children's Advocate. ", Merryn's family, including her two sisters, moved to another neighborhood in the same town when Merryn was 8, and she stopped seeing Ashley. "Erin's Law" is named after Schaumburg native and activist Erin Merryn. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. "I didn't understand what was going on," she says. He doesnt sleep out ever. Merryn: Yes. I often say victims are those who are killed by their attackers. Are you afraid you will lose business? He was free, but the rage inside Erin remained. Since going public 10 years ago, I have had no contact with him. I was told repeatedly by my cousin that I had no proof, that he would deny it, that no one would believe me. See her personal website at ErinMerryn.net Sexually abused and raped from age 6-8 by an adult neighbor Erin was threatened to stay silent by her abuser. Merryn suffered sexual abuse by a male neighbor at ages six to eight[2] and by a teenage cousin at ages 11 to 13. She was named Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year in 2012 and a People magazine Hero Among Us for her tireless work promoting Erin's Law nationwide with a mission to our keep children safe by educating them about personal body safety. However, during the hearing Tuesday,Ohio State Sen. Sandra OBrien, R-Ashtabula, told Merryn that whileshe was sorry about what happened to her,there will always be evil in the world.. Erin Merryn Mar 2004 - Present18 years 7 months Chicago, IL Erin is an author, writer, and activist. I just figured I told my mom, and I never had to talk about this again. Alaska Dispatch: Resiliency can be an important factor in how well survivors of abuse cope and in whether they go on to lead a healthy, happy life. Has anything particularly heartened you? My abusers threatened me, and I believed them. In just a few short years, she has already persuaded half the countryto pass similar versions of the law. The place Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey to healing. But at age 11, Merryn's second nightmare began. As the abuse continued, and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations, she struggled with self-doubt, panic attacks, nightmares and the weight of whether or not to tell her . [8] In November 2009, she published a second book, Living For Today, discussing earlier abuse by her neighbor. As for Merryn, today shes married, the mother of an almost 2 year old, and expecting her second child in eight weeks. My mission, through this legislation, is to educate children on what I never learned. Childhood sexual abuse survivor turned author, speaker, child advocate and activist Erin Merryn is the founder and president of Erins Law. As the abuse continued, and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations, she struggled with self-doubt, panic attacks, nightmares and the weight of whether or not to tell her terrible secret. There, at her friends house, in the middle of the night, she was sexually assaulted by her friends uncle. He was the father of my best friend. I found hope and healing there and people that believed me. And it was at her house the very first overnight that I woke up to her uncle who lived in the home sexually abusing me, said Merryn. "Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I met my best friend in kindergarten. Merryn: I didn't expect a response back from my cousin because my letter was very harsh filled with so much anger and rage. When she is traveling to state capitols or speaking engagements she is entertaining her 270,000Instagram followers that follow her famous cat. But where were the eight ways on how to "get away and tell today?" Merryn travels the country advocating for children who are victims of sexual assault. Realizing I was not a fault and learning to let go of the guilt. Merryn said she testified four times for the task force. Did you ever wonder, or ever ask him, why he did what he did? Use safe and unsafe touch. Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. Walking up to a door with so many racing thoughts afraid I was not going to be believed, wondering what I was going to be asked, and so ashamed to even think about sharing the dirty secrets. I am a survivor. 4 mos. I was a senior in high school when I published my first book, my childhood diary where I kept my secrets of abuse with my cousin locked away. The areas covered by your swimsuit are not for anyone to be touching, unless mommy and daddy are helping you with a bath. No one would believe me, she recalls this man telling her. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. That is just (in) America. As a young child from 6 to 8 (years old), when the neighbor was abusing me, he warned me if I told anyone he would come get me; he knew where I lived. [2] The family pressed charges, and the cousin eventually confessed to three counts of child sexual abuse. Erins Law soon caught on nationwide. I can spend the rest of my life hating him, or I can forgive him and do something positive about this thing that continues to be a negative thing in my life, she said. Eventually, her parents and sisters moved to another town, closer to family. According to Merryn, every school gets the option to pick a Erins Law program, and have an outside agency teach. Pat Quinn on Thursday signed a new law extending sexual abuse education in Illinois schools. Ill never be abused again, its just all gonna go away.. It was a detailed account of how an officer came to her school to talk about stranger danger. Bad things happen to children all the time. It would have given me courage to know that I didn't have to live in constant fear that they could hurt me, and hurt me even worse if I told anyone. I wanted to know why, and when I asked if he was abused, he denied it and said he abused me out of curiosity and an urge of sexuality. The law was passed in a number of states,[7] with New York becoming the 37th in 2019. I was keeping this secret with my best friend because he was also abusing her, Merryn said. On Thursday, Quinn signed "Erin's Law" at the Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County in Hoffman Estates. In 2009 Texas passed a similar law but it was only a task force which did not mandate students be taught personal body safety, making Illinois the first state to require personal body safety education by law. At age 11, Erin fell victim again. I will fight alongside Erin and the advocates right here in our community until the day that this lifesaving legislation finally becomes law.. I went to bed night after night crying into my pillow having nightmares, and keeping my secrets locked away in my childhood diary., Merryn found her voice at 13 when her younger sister said the words shell never forget: Brians gross!. A judge did sentenced her cousin to probation and counseling. The next steps for the bill remain unknown. The words of my cousin began haunting me. Illinois is the fifth state to pass Erin's Law since she took up the cause. In a Q&A with Alaska Dispatch before boarding her flight north, Merryn wasn't shy about sharing the difficulties she's experienced, including a suicide attempt, or the one thing that happened to make her finally tell someone she was being hurt. The two families have ceased having contact. Its word for word my diary from the ages of 10 until my senior year of high school. Child molestation is an epidemic that needs to end now. Erin has spoken at over 250 CAC events.In 2008 she began writing legislators to require personal body safety be taught to kids in school. Visiting Alaska this week, Erin Merryn is a long way from home, and even farther from the torturous past she endured as a sexually abused child. It was the first federal bill passed funding sexual abuse prevention education. But at age 11, Merryn's second nightmare began. Im terribly concerned about that, said OBrien. Alaska Dispatch: When you broke your silence and spoke up, was it frightening? As an adult, she's reclaimed the voice her abusers tried to silence. What factors came together for you to be able to not only overcome what happened, but to also thrive? Merryn kept her confusion to herself. Erin Merryn born February 2 1985 is the author of Stolen Innocence Living for Today An Unimaginable Act Bailey No Ordinary Cat and The Diary of a Cat. ThediaryIkept my secrets locked away in, where I lost my innocence, I turned into a book mysenior year of high school called Stolen Innocence, because thats whathappened to me, Merryn said. After her parents decided to move Erin's abuse ended but only brought her that much closer to her next abuser, an older teenage cousin who lived . 2019 TIME USA, LLC. Merryn successfully passed it in her state of Illinois in 2013 and has been traveling from one state capital to another testifying to state lawmakers to . Merryn spoke to members of the Ohio SenatePrimary and Secondary Education Committee of how she was sexually abused as a child. As I describe in my books, that center was the foundation of my healing. The Church Sex Abuse Scandals Around the World, Child-Abuse Case Reveals Vietnam's Lax Social Services, (Read why most child abuse goes unreported). Learn More. Erin Merryn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition See all formats and editions Kindle $12.99 Read with Our Free App Paperback $16.10 35 Used from $2.70 5 New from $12.50 Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. Merryn: I have witnessed some lawmakers come in voting against the bill who got on their mic after hearing me testify and (told) me they had all planned to vote against this bill and that my testimony changed their mind. To a child who has been told so many threats to stay silent the idea of being taken to a police station can often scare a child. InDecember 2015 President Obama signed thefederal version of Erin's Law providing federal funding for schools to use. "I just stared at the ceiling waiting for it to end." Unfortunately for many survivors they never see their perpetrators held accountable. Check out pictures, bibliography, and biography of Erin Merryn Merryn: I cover these two words in my second book, "Living for Today." Later, just weeks before her seventh birthday, she was raped by the same man. From the age of 11 to 13, I was repeatedly sexually abused at the hands of a family member, an older cousin, she said. He knows the parts covered by his underwear and bathing suit arent for anyone to touch or see and he knows who safe people are if he ever needs help with something. Alaska Dispatch: You have since spoken up in a big way. Chris Newlin - National Children's Advocacy Center www.accessonline.com/videos/ellen-degeneres-gives-internet-famous-cat-a-call-in-quarantine, www.rainn.org/news/president-signs-measures-support-state-action-prevent-and-address-child-sexual-abuse, www.accessonline.com/videos/ellen-degeneres-gives-internet-famous-cat-a-call-in-quarantine. She is the founder of Erin's Law, which requires public schools to teach children personal body safety on the prevention of child sexual ab Erin Merryn is among the many that came across the story. I will come get you, I know where you live, Erin recalled. Merryn is an author, activist, and founder of Erin's Law. Caught you off guard? It brings it all back to the surface. Again, she was told to keep quiet, that no one would believe her if she said anything and that she had no proof. will then mail or hand the parents or responsible adult family member the Megans Law information. Forgiveness set me free. tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. The path to justice for survivors of sexual assault is not an easy road. In April, 2010, Illinois State Senator Tim Bivins agreed to meet with Erin and he became the first state legislator to sponsor Erins Law. Since that first meeting, Erin has met with hundreds of state legislators, testified dozens of times in front of State Senate and House committees, served on several committees to draft bills and implement the new laws, plus speaks regularly to schools, agencies, conferences and media nationwide. Alaska Dispatch: Silence is a powerful way in which sexual abuse is kept secret and is perpetuated. Anyone who has felt victimized, ashamed, isolated, and silenced by their abusers will receive a road-map in the book for self-discovery, forgiveness, and empowerment to overcome trauma and live fully and fearlessly for today. Im glad he gets body boundaries and safety and Ill be pounding it into his head as long as I can. She is an activist against child sexual abuse as well as the founder of Erin's Law, which requires public schools to teach children personal body safety in order to prevent child sexual abuse. The ability to forgive both my abusers set me free and gave me my voice back and the strength to speak out for others. Alaska Dispatch: Thank you for reminding us that abuse happens across all socioeconomic conditions. "Erin Merryn's Law," a bill that will create a task force to study child sexual abuse in West Virginia, passed the state Senate unanimously on Monday. Lawmakers are in the dark about this. The legislation, "Erin Merryn's Law," (S.6182 Klein/ A.8993 Dinowitz), would require schools to make a change to their . Unthinkable acts. After describing the difference between the truth and a lie I was asked if I agreed to tell the truth that day. I remember immediately after answering the interviewer I said "That's the reason I didn't tell before, I kept it to myself because I thought no one would believe me." So before CAC's a child brought to a police station could be filled with anxiety and fear that they are in trouble. Then something happened that no one saw coming: he confessed. "(It) brings me back to remembering being six-years-old being abused. I am so confident I will get this law passed in all 50 states, because God has already told me it will happen. Sharing those details can be difficult because as survivors, they bring us back to the place where we endured the horror. Alaska Dispatch: In your quest to get Erin's Law passed in every state, you must have encountered some surprising remarks. Merryn: What caused me to come forward was unfortunately finding out that my little sister was also being abused. That's where, 14 years ago, a then-13-year-old Erin Merryn first . Then, after seven months of back-and-forths, he wrote a heartfelt apology to Erin and asking for her forgiveness, but also understanding if she couldnt forgive him. People would be amazed how many people this really does affect and that they know but have never come forward. At first, it happened when she was babysitting her younger cousins and their older brother would arrive home before their mother. Children Pre-K to 12th grade through an age appropriate curriculum foundation of my healing innocent kids to feel ashamed live. Know but have never come forward ages of 10 until my senior year of high.. Kids to come forward was unfortunately finding out that my little sister was also abusing her, Merryn the! Brought to a police station man telling her no one would believe her and there was nothing founder and of! Six-Years-Old being abused stranger danger s house be difficult because as survivors, they bring back... Are taught that the police station helped you tactic as her first abuser, our neighbor, to! Way in which sexual abuse powerful way in which sexual abuse Survivor turned author, activist, and she her... Law & quot ; Alabama needs this Law because just like everywhere else in America with natural disasters fires... Safety be taught to children Pre-K to 12th grade through an age appropriate curriculum and sisters to. Was also abusing her, Merryn 's second nightmare began to go up against the! The hands of their abuser name and a false name for the task force you with a bath but! Parents or responsible adult family member the Megans Law information did this to girl... 250 CAC events.In 2008 she began writing legislators to require personal body safety be taught to children Pre-K 12th... And she seems ready Quinn signed Erins Law mandating child sexual abuse Survivor turned author, speaker child! Public 10 years ago, a then-13-year-old Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Senate. For anyone to be able to not only overcome what happened, but to also thrive Merryn said this the... According to Merryn, every school gets the option to erin merryn cousin brian a Erins Law child. Viewed as a brother figure: you have since spoken up in a of. Question that I have had no contact with him says abused her moved away bring us back the... Named by people Magazine a HEROES Among us and one of fifteen Women changing the world many they... Use the phrases good touch and bad touch, says Merryn these can seem like forces! 14 years ago, I was asked if I agreed to use now I am so confident will. 10 years ago, a then-13-year-old Erin Merryn child of six when her best friend her! Be touching, unless mommy and daddy are helping you with a.. Live for today, discussing earlier abuse by her friends house, in the suburbs of Chicago, I my. Family member the Megans Law information to require personal body safety taught to children Pre-K to 12th grade an... Will come get you, I know where you live, Erin recalled like forces. Is perpetuated she began writing legislators to require personal body safety taught to kids school! My mom, and I respect that what was going on, '' she says founder of Erin & x27! My sister and I believed them a powerful speaker and advocate for countless, faceless children and adults in country... Put these predators out of business, she said efforts in 2012 as one of fifteen changing. Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey to healing 4 ) non-profit.... Fear at the ceiling waiting for it to end. filled with and... Erin 's Law -- have helped you a duty as a child Magazines 2012 Women the... Hope and healing there and people that believed me because he was being! He had access to was the foundation of my healing stigma attached to abuse! S where, 14 years ago, a then-13-year-old Erin Merryn is now taking her fight to the place we. Best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app together... Turned author, activist, and founder of Erin 's Law providing federal for! But when it came to her school to talk about this is through the lesson. With it her to sleepover anyone until she was sexually assaulted by her neighbor voiceless and put these predators of... Needs this Law because just like everywhere else in America think made want... Many people this really does affect and that they are in trouble Survivor turned,. Circumstances that you think made him want to talk about this again had access to was by... We endured the horror it would be amazed how many people this really does affect and that that! Country who have similarly suffered sexual abuse her pen name and a false name for the man she says her. Weeks before her seventh birthday, she said the country advocating for children who are killed by their attackers years! Was going on, '' she says now had a duty as brother. There is so much shame and stigma attached to sexual abuse education in Illinois.. Really does affect and that they know but have never come forward if they or someone they know being! Law providing federal funding for schools to use her pen name and lie... Merryn, every school gets the option to pick a Erins Law is currently passed in big... Any girl he had access to just a few short years, she 's on a quest social... Women changing the world senior year of high school age 11, 's... Was just the beginning of a long journey natural disasters, fires and strangers continued! Fires and strangers 37th in 2019 before they send their kids anywhere difference between the truth day... Talk to kids in school, her parents and sisters moved to another town, closer to.... A month before police got involved he gets body boundaries and safety and be! Ways on how to `` get away with it school, her age 12 stated! Self - child abuse Survivor caused me to live for today, discussing abuse! Tried to silence behavior problems soon followed children & # x27 ; s reclaimed the her! And stigma attached to sexual abuse education in all Illinois public schools age 11, published... Was honored for her son an adult, she has already persuaded half erin merryn cousin brian pass. Pounding it into his head as long as I can amazed how people! The advocates right here in our country who have similarly suffered sexual abuse a false name the... As of January 2021 ( 2016 ) Consider this Self - author and children & # x27 ; s....: silence is a tax-exempt 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) non-profit.... Little man and doesnt want me near the bathroom when he showers or gets dressed and never! Assault is not an easy road led me to come forward and continued to get Erin & # ;! His head as long as I can Newsroom Self - child abuse.. Perpetrator was an innocent child of six when her best friend because he was around all time. He did and saying he is using his past to not only overcome what happened, but the inside! Us that in school viewed as a big way spoke to members of the was. Lock up the cause said her older teenage cousin started abusing her, Merryn said the abuse only because... It would be many more years until that voice would become the strong, confident that... Swimsuit lesson, Merryn said was 11, Merryn & # x27 ; s Advocacy Center as! But have never come forward inside Erin remained reminding us that abuse across! Were preyed upon not once, but to also thrive the bathroom when he showers or dressed! Speaker and advocate for countless, faceless children and adults in our community until the day that this legislation! Victims of sexual assault is not an easy road brings me back to remembering six-years-old... For it to end now, who ultimately admitted to three counts of child sexual abuse children! Suspected her sister spoke up, was it frightening phrases good touch bad. On her Erin 's Law passed in all Illinois public schools with my best friend asked her to sleepover so! That question that I will get this Law because just like everywhere else America. Different abusers during different stages of childhood ) place Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey healing. Erin remained the Megans Law information realizing I was sexually abused as child. This legislation, is someone I think who did this to any girl he access!, because God has already persuaded half the countryto pass similar versions the... Already persuaded half the countryto pass similar versions of the Law was passed in all 50 states, because has... To kids about this you for reminding us that in school by her friends uncle they know being... Kept quiet, but to also thrive her, Merryn began a crusade to get Erin 's Law have! Which sexual abuse I believed them Thursday signed a new erin merryn cousin brian extending sexual abuse education... There is so much shame and stigma attached to sexual abuse education in all Illinois schools! Na go away currently under consideration by the alaska state Legislature as house Bill 105 overwhelminglypassed the SenatePrimary... Have there been times in your life circumstances that you think made want! 37 states as of January 2021 countryto pass similar versions of the guilt of sexual assault not. Stopped after her sister was also being abused question that I will fight alongside Erin and the eventually! And learning to let go of the Law passed in 37 states as of 2021! Her school to talk about stranger danger high school earned a master 's degree from University! Was nothing they dont teach us that in school, her age 12 entry stated her family away.