Illinois children will start learning how to identify and report sexual abuse under a measure signed by Governor Pat Quinn.
The lessons will be age-appropriate and taught to all school children from pre-Kindergarten to high school.
The measure (HB 6913) is known as Erin’s law. It’s named for Schaumburg resident and Western Illinois University alumna Erin Merryn. She was sexually abused twice as a child and now leads a national campaign against the crime.
This month she told the Illinois Senate why she thought it’s important to teach children about the issue.
“What we're noticing, because this is a topic we often don't talk about, is that this is the first time kids are getting at that,” Merryn said.
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The measure was sponsored by Senator Jacqui Collins (D-Chicago), who said while there are already programs available for older kids, it’s also important for very young children know what to do if they’re sexually abused.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio