Young Girl Told No One She Was Being Abused, Afraid for Her Family. Now ‘My Goal Is to Give Kids a Voice’

Child Abuse Survivor Creates Erin’s Law to Protect Children

Erin Merryn, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, has dedicated her life to advocating for the protection of children through Erin’s Law. Now 40 years old and a mother of four, Merryn is on a mission to give a voice to kids and ensure predators are brought to justice.

Reflecting on her own traumatic experiences as a young girl in Schaumburg, Ill., where she was abused by a neighbour and a relative, Merryn is determined to empower future generations. She believes that it is crucial for children to receive education in schools about personal body safety, appropriate touch, and identifying trusted adults.

Erin’s Law, which has been passed in 38 states across the US, is a testament to Merryn’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children. She emphasises the importance of prioritising abuse prevention education in schools, highlighting that children are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than they are to face other potential dangers like tornadoes or fires.

Merryn’s advocacy journey began in 2004 when she published her memoir, ‘Stolen Innocence’, based on her childhood diary. This led to the development of Erin’s Law, a comprehensive curriculum that aims to educate students of all ages, school staff, and families on personal body safety and how to recognise and report abuse.

Despite facing challenges and opposition, Merryn remains steadfast in her mission. Some critics argue that conversations about personal safety should be left to parents, while others misconstrue the curriculum as a form of sex education. However, Merryn dispels these misunderstandings, stressing that Erin’s Law is about setting boundaries and protecting children from harm.

The impact of Erin’s Law has already been demonstrated in New York, where an elementary school principal was convicted of sexually abusing multiple students after the implementation of the abuse prevention curriculum. This success story serves as validation of Merryn’s tireless efforts to enact change and safeguard vulnerable children.

As she continues to push for the adoption of Erin’s Law in the remaining 12 states, Merryn is resolute in her belief that prevention is key to ending the cycle of abuse. She remains focused on amplifying the voices of survivors and ensuring that no child suffers in silence or lives in fear of speaking out against their abusers.

With a documentary in the works to further raise awareness about child abuse prevention, Merryn is determined to turn her past trauma into a force for positive change. She acknowledges the reluctance she initially felt about sharing her story publicly but is now driven by a desire to empower others and prevent more children from experiencing the same horrors she endured.

Erin Merryn’s journey from a survivor of abuse to a fierce advocate for children’s rights is a testament to the resilience and courage of survivors. Her unwavering dedication to creating safer environments for children and holding abusers accountable serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of one individual to effect meaningful change in society.