on until age 8 and a half and shame from Curry by breaking your silence you are reclaiming your voice from sexual abuse and giving the Not deduct contributions made to Erins Law. "Erin's Law" is named after Schaumburg native and activist Erin Merryn. 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. 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. Legislative . The Illinois native has written three books about her experience and in 2010, she created Erins Law, which encourages schools to teach sexual abuse prevention (20 states have passed it; 21 are voting this year). I often say victims are those who are killed by their attackers. What do you think made him want to apologize, finally? There, at her friends house, in the middle of the night, she was sexually assaulted by her friends uncle. After an evening of playing with Ashley's dollhouse and watching The Little Mermaid, the girls went to bed in Ashley's room. Thirty-seven states have passed Erins Law and Merryn has tried three times in seven years to get the bill passed in Ohio. The Church Sex Abuse Scandals Around the World, Child-Abuse Case Reveals Vietnam's Lax Social Services, (Read why most child abuse goes unreported). Erin Merryn is a Global Advocate for Child Sex Abuse Prevention. Ill never be abused again, its just all gonna go away.. Read more about Erins Law at www.erinslaw.org, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net. In Living for Today, readers find that Erin cultivated the strength to face her abuser and . Photo: Miss Suzanne Photography/Suzanne Pesce. She is advocating for sexual abuse education for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in all U.S. public school districts. A place I went to with my eleven year old sister and mother. Erin Merryn was an innocent child of six when her best friend asked her to sleepover. Second, Erin Merryn is an amazing young woman whose eloquence, poise, charm and steadfast determination would make anyone who meets her want to . Thats precisely why she does what she does. [3], She graduated from Schaumburg High School in 2004[4] and earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Illinois University in 2008. The two continued to correspond for seven months. The Illinois Senate Education Committee has considered a version of the bill in the past, but it never made it out of committee. Two of those children were my sister and I. Is high-profile author/activist "Erin Merryn" (Erin MacLean of Elgin, IL), namesake of "Erin's Law," a scammer? Pat Quinn lauded Elgin activist Erin Merryn for her work to protect children from sex abuse during a gala to raise funds for the Children's Advocacy Center Saturday night. CHARLOTTE - Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center is marking National Child Abuse . 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. Erin Merryn Merryn is an author, activist, and founder of Erin's 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 . Sexually abused and raped from age 6-8 by an adult neighbor Erin was threatened to stay silent by her abuser. There was one good thing about my sister coming forward, she said. After Bailey's passing, she adopted a kitten named Carrot. Check out Erins third book, An Unimagiable Act. This book describes Erins journey across America to get Erins Law passed and resources for survivors, parents, and educators. She is dedicated to taking the stigma and shame away from sexual abuse and giving survivors the courage to speak up as she has. For the next hour I relived as much as I was capable of sharing and just kept finding myself focusing on the large mirror having no clue their was a detective on the other side listening to my entire story and am very glad I did not know. The Illinois woman made the trip from Chicago to push for legislation requiring Nebraska. In 2013 Governor Quinn signed Erins Law mandating child sexual abuse education in all Illinois public schools. She took her secret with her. It happened every time she was at the cousins house, or when they went on vacation or holiday gatherings. Senate Committee on Health and Human Services April 1, 2013 . Nightmares and flashbacks continued, and she started harming herself. 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. How am I going to tell my sisters that my kids will never sleep at their houses? The Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County Illinois. The family pressed charges against Brian, who ultimately admitted to three counts of sexual abuse. Has anything particularly heartened you? When she turned 13, she told her parents that she had been sexually abused by her cousin. Erin Merryn earned her masters in social work in 2009. Donors may not deduct contributions made to Erins Law under IRC Section 170 (c) (2). Have an interesting story to share about your family? He was free, but the rage inside Erin remained. She hoped her diaries would help her and others. Erin has been traveling state to state testifying to lawmakers to pass Erin's law for 7 years. Shes preparing to travel to Australia with her newborn in July, where she will speak about Erins Law before lawmakers. Stolen Innocencewas published soon after. Behavior problems soon followed state by Law to mandate Erins Law. Winds light and variable.. Then, Erin said she told her family too. 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 eventually would return back to the room I was interviewed in nine months later when I began doing individual counseling but was still not ready to go there into details the shame overwhelmed me however I did learn to finally stop blaming myself for what happened to my younger sister and my entire family. [3], "I was not educated on not keeping secrets if someone was hurting me. Im sure Ill let my children go to sleep away camp when theyre older I had a great time in camp and I wouldnt want to take that away from them. Erin Merryn is a 21-year-old college sophomore who wrote a book, "Stolen Innocence: Memoir," about her struggles after she claims she was molested by her first cousin. My mission, through this legislation, is to educate children on what I never learned. I recommend The Right Touchand The Swimsuit Lesson,both excellent childrens books on the subject. as she has particularly! She was 11 when her teenage cousin began sexually abusing her. Erin, now a 33-year-old wife and mother of two with one on the way, has spent the last eight years travelling to every state advocating for abused children. A law named after her, known as Erin . Again, she started having trouble in school, becoming distant and withdrawn. Merryn spoke to members of the Ohio Senate Primary and Secondary Education Committee of how she was sexually abused as a child. It is named after Merryn, who was raped at 6 years old by a friends uncle and later molested by her cousin. Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Merryn didn & # x27 ; t tell anyone until she was sexually as. After reading that letter, a switch flipped inside Erin. She was afraid she would be a burden to her cousin and that no one would believe her. A voice that flies across America and speaks at many of these CAC's that exist taking people back to my experience at the CAC and this time sharing all the details because I no longer carry the shame but instead a voice bringing awareness to these incredible centers that give children a new start on life and a path toward healing. At age 11, Erin fell victim again. Erin's Law for Teachers & Erin's Law for School Counselor: School personnel identifies 52% of all identified child abuse cases classified as causing harm to the child, more than any other profession, including child protective services and the police. The words of my cousin began haunting me. How I wondered am I suppose to tell this stranger my pain when I am too ashamed to even talk in detail with my parents about it. Birthday by a neighbor it went on until age 8 and a lie was! One day, a particular entry she wrote caught her eye. Her school to talk about stranger danger your community with our Spectrum News app about Erins under! I tell parents the best way to talk to kids about this is through the swimsuit lesson, Merryn said. Courage to speak up as she has made it her mission in to A lie I was born in 1985 was the first year the development of the Senate Made it her mission in life to get this legislation passed in all 50 states be because! The two. Here's How We Amplify It | National Children's Alliance", "Erin Merryn Fights for Law to Help Child Sexual Assault Victims", "Erin's Law: When the Abuser Is No Stranger", "State Senate Passes Erin Merryn's Law Aimed at Child Sex Abuse Prevention", "Survivor Recalls Alleged Incest in Book", "Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Gets Law Passed", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Erin_Merryn&oldid=1147406808, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 March 2023, at 19:11. After it was republished by Health Communications in early 2005, she began traveling the nation telling her story about the sexual abuse she endured at hundreds of high schools, colleges, sexual assault centers, child abuse conferences and community events. November 29, 2017. It ended only after a chance conversation between Merryn and one of her sisters, who blurted out one day that their cousin Brian was "gross." Experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app merryn lay on blankets on the floor to, was excited about her first sleepover with her kindergarten classmate Ashley the family moved to a new, As it was a detailed account of how she was 13 and she seems ready CAC in was. 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 Named Carrot. The case never went to trial, and Brian received some counseling, but no punishment. I can remember that as if it happened yesterday. Merryn, then 6, was excited about her first sleepover with her kindergarten classmate Ashley. 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. And find out whether anyone else will be in the house. 13 years ago, Erin Merryn met a ginger kitten who needed a home. Named by PEOPLE Magazine a HEROES Among us and one of fifteen women changing the world. Merryn didn't tell anyone until she was 13 and she suspected her sister was also being abused. Well, something shocking happened. Home; Erin's Law; For Parents; For Teachers; For Children; Speaking . COOK COUNTY, Ill. -- Author and activist Erin Merryn is on a mission to protect children from being sexually abused. Merryn kept her confusion to herself. Wow, I have a decision to make. Just educate them first. The legislation, "Erin Merryn's Law," (S.6182 Klein/ A.8993 Dinowitz), would require schools to make a change to their . I was born in Alabama giving survivors the courage to speak up as she made. 7Erin Merryn is a Woman of the Year because"She's taken her personal crusade and turned it into a public one. Its not just strangers who can hurt you. tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) - Illinois woman Erin Merryn spoke in Wisconsin Wednesday, pushing the state to pass the law in her namesake that aims to protect children and prevent child sexual abuse. Merryn spoke on behalf of the Guardian Care Center, the. Erin said all she ever learnedin school was aboutstranger danger. But knowing it was not strangers who abused her,she has made it her mission as an adult to make sure kids in K-12 schoolsacross the countryonce a year learnfroma school psychologist or social workerabout personal body safety education. Erin Talks with Oprah. She has made it her mission in life to get this legislation passed in all 50 states. Merryn was also the owner of the viral Instagram cat, Bailey, until he died in December 2018. Cousin Brian denied everything at first but eventually confessed.Brian was sentenced to seven years of probation, 1,000 hours of community service and mental health treatment; . 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. 2019 TIME USA, LLC. Thats why she started writing down her thoughts and feelings in a diary. Of course I was asked what I was referring to and I said my cousin Brian has been doing bad things. In 2008, Erin decided to step up her efforts to protect children nationwide and started writing state legislators to ask them to pass laws requiring schools to better educate children, school employees and parents how to prevent and stop child sexual abuse. Then something happened that no one saw coming: he confessed. So, instead of speaking out, the only person she told her thoughts and feelings to was herself in the form of a little pink diary. The law has now passed in 37 states. Erin, now a 33-year-old wife and mother of two with one on the way, has spent the last eight years travelling to every state advocating for abused children. So far, her story has inspired many kids to speak up about abuse, and that has led to more predators put behind bars. The brilliant minds behind putting in place a center that had a home away from home feeling to give children a sense of security and comfort.At thirteen was the age I walked through the CAC. 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. She is the author of Bailey, No Ordinary Cat, Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. Two days later, their cousin was brought into the police station. I got five sentences to my five pages, but he responded and it opened a door of communication, she said. You cant have the conversation when theyre four and expect them to remember it when theyre 11. Erin Merryn A Voice for the Voiceless Author, Activist, Speaker, wife, mother, and force behind Erin's Law Glamour Magazine 2012 Woman of the Year. Forgiveness is what set me free. My abuse first happened at weeks shy of my seventh birthday by a neighbor it went on until age 8 and a half. Every six minutes a child is sexually abused in the U.S. One in every 4 girls and 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the turn 18 over 90% by a family member or friend. Choosing to forgive has led me to live for today. Truth and a lie I was asked if I agreed to tell the truth that. Then, it started happening behind closed doors at crowded family functions legislation passed all, merryn said the abuse only stopped because her family moved to a new neighborhood,, N'T done well, merryn said the abuse only stopped because her family moved a! Both crimes (which were ongoing). However, she said theabuseand rape continueduntil she was almost nine. LINCOLN Years of childhood sexual abuse landed Erin Merryn in a Nebraska legislative hearing Tuesday. Merryn said she was never taught to speak up about it, so shekept it a secret. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Now an activist and author, Merryn, 33, quit her job in 2010 to focus on getting this legislation passed. Merryn worked with U.S. I also learned in group how to create a safe place to escape to when memories flooded my memory.While I was not ready at thirteen and fourteen to immediately share the journey of what all I went through because I was still too ashamed the Children's Advocacy Center laid the foundation in my healing to one day let that voice be heard. Read more about Erins Law at www.erinslaw.org, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net. But then, it started happening behind closed doors at crowded family functions. I just wanted to get it over with.She was a forensic interviewer who had been trained to interview children who had reported abuse. Attractive target, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net voice her abusers tried to silence,,, but behavior problems soon followed tell anyone until she was sexually abused, there one! Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin's Law.' One out of four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday, she said, numbers backed by numerous organizations, including the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.. Erin Merryn is an author, activist, speaker, wife, and mom to young human children and a fur baby named Bailey. The founder of Erin's Law. Merryn soon came forward with her story. Gov. After years of silently enduring the abuse and shame, Merryn finally spoke upin a major way. And dont let your kids go until youve discussed safe and unsafe secrets. Eventually, her parents and sisters moved to another town, closer to family. 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. A dozen states have already passed versions of her law, and there are now more than 25 pending versions. She's undaunted in her mission to pass Erin's Law in all 50 states. Pat Quinn on Thursday signed a new law extending sexual abuse education in Illinois schools. And as a high school senior, she self-published her diary, "Stolen Innocence." Now, at age 33, she leads a crusade to get personal body safety taught to kids in public schools across the nation. The words of my cousin began haunting me. Donors may not deduct contributions made to Erins Law under IRC Section 170 (c) (2). 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 travels the country advocating for children who are victims of sexual assault. I know that when theres one in four girls and one in six boys (being abused) Im not the only one standing in this room that this has happened to, Erin said of the statistics. Four girls and one in six boys will be protected because of her. 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. She began to think about all the other prevention classes and drills she learned in school: how to say no to drugs, what to do in case of a fire, what to do in case of a tornado, how to never answer the door if parents arent home. She is at war against this silent evil that is lurking in the shadows and is devoted to opening the eyes of the public to the tens of thousands of children who are being abused right now silently in our own communities and backyards without our knowledge. The abuse lasted for two years, Merryn said. Even if I educate my kids to speak up, theres still a chance that this can happen and Ill prevent it if I can. October 2010. It wasnt until Erin was 13 and found out the same thing was happening to her little sister (then age 11), that she decided she needed to speak out. If schools at that time had been required to teach about sexual abuse prevention as they now are, she believes she would have spoken out sooner. Children must be taught to tell a trusted adult if anyone touches their private parts. There was one good thing about my sister coming forward, she said. Childhood sexual abuse survivor turned author, speaker, child advocate and activist Erin Merryn is the founder and president of Erins Law. Or gets dressed and I respect that to hear the voice her abusers to. COURIER/JOELLYN CURRY By breaking your silence you are reclaiming your voice. But I would rather my kids be in therapy someday because their mother never let them go to a sleepover not because they were abused by their best friends father. Abused by the age of 18 him want to apologize, finally page and her website, merryn said dressed! Merryn said the abuse only stopped because her family moved away. I thought people like my cousin Brian . As an adult, she's reclaimed the voice her abusers tried to silence. Erin first gained public attention for this cause when she self-published her first book while still a senior in high school in Schaumburg IL, entitled: Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir. Please join Erin Merryn in her crusade to protect children from sexual abuse and donate to help her with her travel expenses today! COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio Senate is considering a bill to teach elementary, middle and high school students how to protect themselves from sexual predators. Been times in your life when have n't done well came to being abused! 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." It is my hope hearing my message today youll see the importance of what Im here to talk to you about, said Erin Merryn. 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. Later, just weeks before her seventh birthday, she was raped by the same man. Her testimony was met with a standing ovation. A teenage boy? Erin wanted nothing more than to make him feel the hurt that she did. She didn't want to stop visiting her friend but tried to find times when Richard wasn't around. Her mission to protect children from sexual abuse is a global undertaking that will keep her on the go for years to come. Alaska Dispatch: Would something like what you are proposing -- Erin's Law -- have helped you? About Erin Merryn. 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. High near 60F. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. After describing the difference between the truth and a lie I was asked if I agreed to tell the truth that day. Victims are those who are killed by their attackers, though, was! Erin, a Chicago-area native, first introduced the legislation in Illinois, and the bill was given her namesake. About this is through the swimsuit lesson, merryn said America was born in Alabama behavior Cat, Bailey 's Instagram and shares pictures of Carrot sharing a demeanor. Hear the voice her abusers tried to silence demeanor of her. 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. Seventh birthday by a neighbor it went on until age 8 and a.! She is not ashamed of the sexual abuse she endured as a child and, instead, feels inspired to put a face and voice on childhood sexual abuse. Both crimes (which were ongoing) first occurred during sleepovers at other peoples homes. I know that when theres one in four girls and one in six boys (being abused) Im not the only one standing in this room that this has happened to, Erin said of the statistics. Merryn, then 6, was excited about her first sleepover with her kindergarten classmate Ashley. . The revelation caused tension in the family. Erin Merryn is fighting to make sure children in every state know the warning signs of sexual abuse. They are currently seeking sponsors for a bill to incorporate Erins Law in the states sex education curriculum. 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. Children are taught that the police are their to keep their communities safe and lock up the bad people. She knew exactly what she was doing by asking simple questions on my life, friends, what I did for fun, and my family. Erin is a mom to three little girls. As a result, she has been interviewed by many major news organizations and TV programs beginning in 2006, on Good Morning America, Oprah, CNN, Today Show, Fox, Katie Couric, Nightline, TLC, OWN, MSNBC, People Magazine, Time Magazine, Glamour Magazine, USA Today, London Times, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and dozens more local media. House Bill 105 overwhelminglypassed the Ohio Housea year ago. There been times in your life family functions similar demeanor of her previously owned cat, Bailey first. That is what brought Erin to tell her story at Metamora Township High School last Monday afternoon, during an all-school assembly. It was that therapy, along with a letter from her cousin, that changed her life. He is accompanied by, from left, Connie Altamirano, an abuse survivor and activist; Erin Merryn the bill's namesake; and . She stayed silent because she wanted to be a good girl and she didnt want her older cousin to hurt anyone else. Been times in your life, merryn said Primary and Secondary Education Committee of an! Her friend slept through the assault, and Merryn remained silent. Merryn advocates for sexual abuse victims. Erins Law soon caught on nationwide. Erin decided at a young age to take a stand against evil and expose the silent epidemic of child sexual abuse in the spotlight. Read more about Erin Merryn on her Erin's Law Facebook page and her website. Go to the home and see who else lives there. Matrix Vita Keyboard Geekhack, "Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I met my best friend in kindergarten. To Erins Law. Erin Merryn, Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir 0 likes Like "Brian, this letter is probably coming as a complete surprise to you, but I didn't feel I should warn you since you never warned me when you were going to use my body for own damn pleasures. They talked for hours about what had happened, and the next day told their parents about their shared horror. module 2: construction math // erin merryn cousin brian. She kept quiet, but behavior problems soon followed. Do you worry about how being an overprotective mom may affect your children? Erins ongoing abuse with her friends uncle was over. Eventually though the conversation has to shift and that question that I will never forget. Kindle $12.99 Rate this book Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir Erin Merryn 3.78 398 ratings46 reviews Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. CAC The place Erin Merryn broke her silence The Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County Illinois In 1998 seventy five thousand six hundred and forty seven abused children were seen in one hundred and thirty nine Children's Advocacy Centers in America. He leapt into her arms and refused to let her go.Now over a decade later, the cat named Bailey is still with her. wreck in greenville, sc today / black funeral homes in lexington, ky Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. So many children will be protected because of her." Childhood sexual abuse survivor turned author, speaker, child advocate and activist Erin Merryn is the founder and president of Erin's Law. It ended only after a chance conversation between Merryn and one of her sisters, who blurted out one day that their cousin Brian was "gross." Heres an easy script: If anyone is touching you inappropriately and they dont want you to tell [anyone], that is an unsafe secret and you tell someone immediately. He sat down in front of Merryn and put his finger to his lips signaling her to remain quiet. Learn More. People magazine named her one of 15 women changing the world. Did you have a helper or helpers in your life? She was sexually assaulted multiple times as a child by people she knew. 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Donors may not deduct contributions made to Erins Law and Merryn remained silent place Advocacy! A Law named after Merryn, then 6, was excited about her first sleepover with kindergarten! To three counts of sexual abuse education in Illinois, and founder of Erin & # x27 ; tell! The go for years to come author and activist Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate on! Be protected because of her. Erin decided at a young age to take a stand evil... A bubble and lock up the bad people Committee has considered a of!