Soon New York may become the latest state to mandate sexual abuse awareness teaching. Thirty-five other states around the country have passed similar versions of Erin’s Law, which requires public schools to teach age-appropriate lessons to help children understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching, as well as how to report inappropriate conduct to an adult. Erin’s Law also requires education for parents, guardians, and school personnel.
For years, the sexual abuse awareness teaching mandate has been blocked in New York by those who believe questions related to curriculum should be left to education officials.
The law is named after child sexual abuse survivor and activist Erin Merryn, who has made it her life’s mission to persuade every state to pass laws requiring public schools to teach students about child sexual abuse and how tell someone if and when they experience it.