The Children’s Center of Medina County will host Erin Merryn, a survivor of sexual assault at their inaugural Healing Hearts – An Evening of Hope and Inspiration fundraising event on November 1, 2024. Erin Merryn is renowned for her tireless advocacy and impactful work on Erin’s Law, considered the first U.S. sexual abuse prevention education bill. She is an internationally recognized author, speaker and advocate. As a survivor of sexual abuse, Erin’s journey is one of both personal triumph and profound dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of children everywhere.
Erin Merryn is a compelling public speaker, captivating audiences with her raw honesty, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting children from abuse. Her speaking engagements serve as platforms for raising awareness, educating communities, and inspiring action towards creating a world free from child abuse.
Event Details
Friday, November 1, 2024
Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center
3227 Blue Heron Trace
Medina OH 44256
Creating Safer Communities for Children
As a young child, ages 6 through 8, Merryn was sexually assaulted by a neighbor. A few years later, from ages 11 through 13, she experienced repeated sexual abuse from an older cousin. Both perpetrators threatened her to remain silent. Scared and confused, she kept quiet but recorded these secrets in her diary. She eventually broke her silence as a teen, the abuse came to an end and she began her first steps to healing. Those diary entries then became books where Merryn shares her private stories of abuse, how she found inner strength and resilience, and her path to empowerment.
Merryn’s personal trauma led her to push for legislation through the Erin’s Law Foundation. Erin Merryn has been instrumental in lobbying for legislative changes across various states, advocating for the implementation of prevention-oriented child sexual abuse programs in public schools. This initiative, named after her, aims to empower children with knowledge and resources to recognize and report abuse, ultimately creating safer environments for them to thrive. Erin’s Law requires all public schools in each state to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program that teaches:
- Students in grades preK-12th age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult.
- School personnel about child sexual abuse.
- Parents and guardians the warning signs of child sexual abuse, plus needed assistance, referral or resource information to support sexually abused children and their families.
To date, 38 states including Ohio have passed Erin’s Law, with legislation pending in the remaining 12 states. For more information about this law, visit www.erinslaw.org.
Support The Children’s Center of Medina County
Save the date on your calendar and invite your friends! Erin’s presentation will give you hope and inspire you with her resilience and the important role Child Advocacy Center’s play in helping children and families heal from abuse. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more.
