I was a victim of child abuse and now I’m fighting to end it. Nearly half of all sexual assault and rape victims in the United states are under the age of 18. States should be looking at common sense ways to battle the epidemic. New York should follow in the footsteps of 26 states and pass Erin’s law. Erin’s Law requires schools to teach age appropriate sexual abuse awareness to children. Tell Committee on Education Chair Catherine Nolan and the New York state Board of Regents to approve Erin’s Law.

After researching the statistics of sexual abuse and realizing how widespread a problem it has become, I decided to become an advocate. I learned that nearly 26 states have taken steps to battle child abuse by passing Erin’s Law. Often, young children suffer in silence because they feel ashamed and believe the abuse perpetrated against them is their fault. Erin’s law will fight against that trend by teaching children to speak up when someone abuses them.

75% of children who suffer from sexual abuse never speak out about it.  Children are the most vulnerable to sexual assault and abuse, especially mentally or physically disabled children. This law has the potential to impact this number in a significant way. Not only does it empower children, it deters predators that purposely look for positions in schools to seek out victims.

Keeping children safe from sexual predators is critical inside and outside of the classroom. Tell Mrs. Nolan and the New York Board of Regents that it’s time for New York to follow the example of 19 other states by passing Erin’s law now.