Erin's Law

Erin's Law is named after childhood sexual assault survivor, author, speaker, and activist Erin Merryn, who is the founder and President of Erin's Law, a registered as a 501 (c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization with the State of Illinois and the IRS.

After Erin introduced the legislation in her home state of Illinois, the bill was named "Erin's Law" after her by legislators, and it has caught on nationwide. "Erin's Law" requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program addressing the following:

  • Students in grades PreK – 12th grade are taught age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and to tell a trusted adult about unsafe or uncomfortable situations.
  • Parents & guardians are provided with the warning signs of child sexual abuse, plus needed assistance, referral, or resource information to support sexually abused children and their families.

Examples of Presentation

Early Elementary - K-2

Intermediate - 3-5

Junior High

High School

Erin's Law Resources and Tools

Erin's Law for Parents

Tip Sheet: Talking To Children And Teens

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Erin's Law

The Key Components of Erin’s Law

What Is Erin’s Law?

Resources for Parents

Parents can learn more about sexual abuse and ow to support your child through the resource guide, Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention, or through the resources linked below.

Local and State Agencies

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117)
ICASA (Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault)
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
DuPage CASA

National Agencies

Erin’s Law
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (24 Hour) 1-800-759-8331 TTY PIN: 877-951-6528, 1-800-787-3224
National Child Abuse Helpline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)