![Pat Quinn (r) stands next to Erin Merryn who is the namesake of "Erin's Law" which is a new law requiring sex abuse and assault prevention be taught in Illinois schools.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/6d/0d/6d0dc1729f83ea385599b47a062e0d7e.jpg?itok=fq-3yqpd "Pat Quinn (r) stands next to Erin Merryn who is the namesake of "Erin's Law" which is a new law requiring sex abuse and assault prevention be taught in Illinois schools.")
Illinois has a new law which requires schools in the state to teach one more thing to children, according to a report by ABC News and CBS News on Thursday. The subject that must be taught in addition to all the others that are required by the state, via the new law, is sex abuse. The course of study is designed to protect children from sexual abuse and assault.
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Illinois Democratic Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill – labeled as “Erin’s Law” - publicly on Thursday that is required to be taught to children from pre-kindergarten classes through the fifth grade in Illinois public schools. “Erin’s Law” was chosen as the name of the law for Erin Merryn who was a sexual abuse victim. Merryn reportedly testified four times at the Illinois State Capitol regarding the legislation.
Merryn’s unfortunate history with the subject of sexual abuse involved a neighbor raping and sexually abusing her when she was aged six through eight as well as abuse by an older cousin.
In 2012, Erin was honored as “Woman of the Year” by Glamour Magazine.
The law, which will take effect next school year, has been in the works for three years before being signed by Gov. Quinn on Thursday.
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