Erin Merryn's memoir is about how her life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted."I thought when the abuse stopped I could move on with my life. Merryn now. Merryn (whose other books are Stolen Innocence and Living for Today), the mother of a toddler girl, says this is a conversation parents must have every year and often. Visit Amazon.au's Erin Merryn Page and shop for all Erin Merryn books. "It's something that is going to be with me the rest of my life," Erin said. 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. The book is titled "Stolen Innocence." Wow, I have a decision to make. Therapists (and) an amazing school psychologist in high school really helped me heal. This representative did get on her mic. "He told me, just like in the past by this other perpetrator, 'Erin, this is our . The school, community organization, day care center, etc. Since going public 10 years ago, I have had no contact with him. "Erin's Law" is named after Schaumburg native and activist Erin Merryn. Eventually, her parents and sisters moved to another town, closer to family. Merryn travels the country advocating for children who are victims of sexual assault. Well, something shocking happened. Illinois is the first state by law to mandate Erins Law. Erin Merryn (born February 2, 1985) is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. He cornered her in basements, bathrooms and bedrooms, always reminding her that she shouldn't bother telling anyone because no one would believe her. Alaska Dispatch: Would something like what you are proposing -- Erin's Law -- have helped you? In the wee hours of the night, Ashley's uncle "Richard" (not his real name), who lived in the house with his niece, appeared in the darkened room. Throughout her school years, Erin Merryn of Schaumburg, Ill., received plenty of lessons in the dangers her elders thought she could encounter during her childhood. A judge did sentenced her cousin to probation and counseling. 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. Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin's Law.' 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. Our guest speaker for the Luncheon will now be Erin Merryn, childhood sexual abuse survivor turned author, speaker, child advocate and activist, and the force behind Erin . (Josh Rultenberg/Spectrum News 1), California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The Ohio Senate is considering a bill to teach elementary, middle and high school students how to protect themselves from sexual predators, Erins Law is named after Erin Merryn who was sexually abused as a child, Thirty-seven states have passed Erins Law and Merryn has tried three times in seven years to get the bill passed in Ohio, House Bill 105 overwhelmingly passed the Ohio House a year ago. 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. 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. You will be believed.. Use safe and unsafe touch. It is my hope hearing my message today youll see the importance of what Im here to talk to you about, said Erin Merryn. 25 $. The next day they told their parents. She published a book called Bailey No Ordinary Cat that showcases Bailey's unusually gentle interactions with her three children. She is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for . They talked for hours about what had happened, and the next day told their parents about their shared horror. Merryn: I was terrified. Erin Merryn is author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. Erin Merryn is among the many that came across the story. Vermont State Board of Education has required it in schools since 2009. 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. ALBANY, N.Y. - The Independent Democratic Conference was joined today by Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, (D-Bronx), and nationally recognized anti-abuse advocate and survivor Erin Merryn to hail the passage of important legislation to stamp out child sexual abuse in New York. Erin Elizabeth heard over the years from 11-13 "Nobody will believe you, you have no proof, you will destroy our large extended family, this is our secret don't tell anyone." Sponsored by Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage, HB 233 puts Alaska among the states considering "Erin's Law" in 2014. She told them that, growing up in Illinois, she had experienced tornado drills, fire drills and bus drills; was taught about stranger danger and eight ways to say no to drugs through D.A.R.E., but no one ever taught her how to protect herself from sexual abuse and what to do if a family member or friend molested or raped her. "(It) brings me back to remembering being six-years-old being abused. Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. Is there anything about your life circumstances that you think made you a target? [3] According to her personal account, she told her parents about the latter after her sister confided that she had also been abused by the same relative. My name is Erin Merryn and I am a survivor of child sexual abuse. What's your advice for sexual abuse victims who may want to come forward, but who feel the abuse is better kept secret or forgotten? I will not stop until children in all 50 states are protected from sexual abuse.". The only difference is now I am running from him in my dreams" (Merryn 49). I will fight alongside Erin and the advocates right here in our community until the day that this lifesaving legislation finally becomes law.. Silence Broken and Stigmas Shattered -- Help for Incest Survivors Is Here Fans of Erin Merryn's heart-wrenching debut memoir Stolen Innocence were left wondering at the end what would become of an emotionally fragile Erin after her confrontation with the reality of being a child of incest and molestation. Merryn is an author and activist against sexual abuse who founded "Erin's Law," which requires school to. I pull out my sixth grade DARE card and tell lawmakers I knew the eight ways to say "no" to drugs and have never tried even a cigarette and I am nearly 30 years old. Erin Merryn is the author of three books about surviving incest, including "Living for Today." She also speaks nationally on the subject. I am a survivor. He was the father of my best friend. 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. 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. After describing the difference between the truth and a lie I was asked if I agreed to tell the truth that day. Did anything make you an attractive target, or particularly vulnerable? Her courage breaking her silence allowed me to take a stand for both of us and be brave and tell her we can't keep this a secret, that we have to tell our parents. Children are taught that the police are their to keep their communities safe and lock up the bad people. Alaska Dispatch: Thank you for reminding us that abuse happens across all socioeconomic conditions. The areas covered by your swimsuit are not for anyone to be touching, unless mommy and daddy are helping you with a bath. When she is traveling to state capitols or speaking engagements she is entertaining her 270,000Instagram followers that follow her famous cat. The cousin used the same tactic as her first abuser telling her no one would believe her and there was no proof. 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. (2013) CNN Newsroom Self - Child Abuse Survivor. After Bailey's passing, she adopted a kitten named Carrot. "Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I met my best friend in kindergarten. Erin Merryn's memoir is about how her life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted."I thought when the abuse stopped I could move on with my life. It was the first time she supported a school mandate, and she retired later that year. Two days later, their cousin was brought into the police station. It allowed me to let go of the bitterness, anger and rage I had toward him and find the freedom and peace I longed for and the ability to turn this painful event into something positive. Erins ongoing abuse with her friends uncle was over. Her dad singled me out during the party. One day, a particular entry she wrote caught her eye. 46 reviews. Victims are those who don't survive. Sexually abused as a. Merryn says a few months ago, a local . One thing my abusers kept telling me was that I had no proof that they were hurting me, so why would anyone believe me? Through her speeches and books, Erin is an inspiration to professionals working daily to fight child abuse. These can seem like powerful forces to go up against. From the age of 11 to 13, I was repeatedly sexually abused at the hands of a family member, an older cousin, she said. Erin's Law has passed in 21 states and is pending in 22 others. 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. Have there been times in your life when haven't done well? Erins Law encourages research based curriculum, Merryn said. 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. I was abused. Little did I know by moving I was getting that much closer to my next abuser. See all See top. 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. Meetings between the two families were called to sort out the problem, to no avail. If someone ever does touch you in those areas, you tell immediately., Merryn suggests the books The Swimsuit Lesson and The Right Touch.. I had all the warning signs of an abused kid -- labeled behavior(ally) and emotionally disturbed, given an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for that behavior, I had anger problems, put my hand through a window weeks after being raped at 7 years old and threw tantrums on the floors in school. Info here from RAINNwww.rainn.org/news/president-signs-measures-support-state-action-prevent-and-address-child-sexual-abuseErin's media appearances have included Access Hollywood 2020Tamron Hall 2020HLN 2020CBS Morning Show 2019The Morning Blend 2019CNN 2018, HLN 2018, BUILD 2018 TLC Breaking the Silence Documentary TODAY show 2015, Nancy Grace 2015, ABC Nightline 2015, CNN 2015, Dr. Drew 2015, Inside Edition 2015, MSNBC 2015, Oprah Winfrey Network 2014, Windy City Live 2014, MSNBC 2013, FOX 2013, Katie Couric 2013, Oprah Life Class 2012, CNN 2012, Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell 2011, Oprah Winfrey Show October 2010, Montel Williams in April/July 2006, and Good Morning America in May 2006. So before CAC's a child brought to a police station could be filled with anxiety and fear that they are in trouble. I had only ever been told no one (would) believe me, I feared ruining our large extended family when they learned a family member (teenage cousin) was molesting my sister and I. Sixteen years ago, on March 29, 1998, my sister broke her silence to me. He continued to abuse her on and off for nearly two years, she says, often at holidays and celebrations with her close-knit extended family. Erin's Law, which debuted in Illinois, is now in 37 states and mandates that public schools teach age-appropriate sex abuse prevention to grades as young as pre-K. Merryn said those lessons on . Nightmares. The man, then in his late 20s, abused her several more times in the next year, including, she says, raping her during a daytime visit when she thought he wouldn't be home. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Erin Merryn, a Chicago-area resident behind an Ohio bill that would require public schools to provide age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention instruction, told a Senate. Bad things happen to children all the time, the Garden State may soon benefit from Merryns harrowing experience, knowledge and hope, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Alaska Dispatch: You have since spoken up in a big way. CBN News Self - Children's Advocate. Are you afraid you will lose business? Its somebody they know and trust.. Victims of abuse know their perpetrators 80% to 90% of the time, says David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. 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. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Forgiveness set me free. The law was passed in a number of states,[7] with New York becoming the 37th in 2019. Alaska Dispatch: In your quest to get Erin's Law passed in every state, you must have encountered some surprising remarks. See her personal website at ErinMerryn.net. 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. I tell parents the best way to talk to kids about this is through the swimsuit lesson, Merryn said. I found (the) freedom and peace I had longed for. 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. At age 11, Erin fell victim again. In December 2010 I was voted News Maker of the year for the Daily Herald.She earned her masters degree in Social Work and is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, AnUnimaginableAct, Bailey No Ordinary Cat & The Diary of a Cat Named Carrot. But at age 11, Merryn's second nightmare began. 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 the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, An Unimaginable Act, Bailey No Ordinary Cat, and The Diary of a Cat Named Carrot. So began her fight to bring this epidemic to the forefront, to push for every state to implement a prevention-oriented child sex-abuse program that teaches parents and school personnel how to recognize the signs of sexual abuse, and teaches kids from Kindergarten through twelfth grades techniques on how to also acknowledge abuse and tell a trusted adult. Her testimony was met with a standing ovation. February 7, 2023 by Cindy Erin Merryn is a Global Advocate for Child Sex Abuse Prevention For years, Erin Merryn was too scared to speak up about sexual abuse. 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. Alaska Dispatch: When you broke your silence and spoke up, was it frightening? Requiring personal body safety education in public schools. So far 27 states have passed Erins Law since 2010. The revelation caused tension in the family. Author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today Low near 30F. Erin decided at a young age to take a stand against evil and expose the silent epidemic of child sexual abuse in the spotlight. When Merryn eventually confided in Ashley about what had happened, her friend was not surprised; in fact, the scene was depressingly familiar to her. The shame is so overwhelming. Merryn: Yes. Merryn believes more can be done to ensure children also learn how learn how to protect themselves from sexual predators. 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 girls were brought to a Children's Advocacy Center where they had to tell their stories to complete strangers, something Erin wasnt looking forward to at all. Caught you off guard? In Living for Today, readers find that Erin cultivated the strength to face her abuser . Erin wanted nothing more than to make him feel the hurt that she did. Families pressuring loved ones to stay quiet is not uncommon, but as I often like to tell survivors, by speaking up you are not only helping yourself heal; you will help save other children from experiencing this same horror at the hands of their abuser. "I just stared at the ceiling waiting for it to end." No one will believe you, Erin. Statistics show that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18. Erin wrote that letter. 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. Her friend slept through the assault, and Merryn remained silent. 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 . He got us quiet and continued to get away with it. MORE: Moms and dads, can we talk about stranger danger? Partly cloudy. The look in this mans eyes, the color shirt he was wearing and the last thing he said to me, Dont you dare tell anybody. She is an activist against child sexual abuse. There was one good thing about my sister coming forward, she said. When I look at you, I see nothing but scum. Thirty-seven states have passed Erins Law and Merryn has tried three times in seven years to get the bill passed in Ohio. As the abuse continued, and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations, she struggled with . Merryn travels the country advocating for children who are victims of sexual assault. My mom was a mess, that day she probably cried for 10 straight hours, looking at my dad saying, we missed all the red flags, her grades, she was depressed, Erin recalled. But many schools, she said, are using faculty social workers and psychologists because research shows its better taught by in-house staff then outside agencies. The two continued to correspond for seven months. These days hes almost 9 and I dont really tag along to play dates anymore, but every time I drop him off, I tell him, if you have to use the bathroom, lock the door and have privacy. 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. 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. Merryn saidif parents are not comfortable, the bill allows parents toopt their kids out of the education. No one is allowed in the bathroom with you not even your friend. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Erin is now on a mission to persuade all 50 states to pass Erins Law, which mandates that all public schools use age-appropriate curricula to teach students how to tell on anyone who touches or attempts to touch their private parts. Stolen Innocencewas published soon after. You have permission to edit this article. Merryn lay on blankets on the floor next to Ashley, who was in her bed. 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