`Erin`s Law` provides age-appropriate abuse education for kids
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Governor Quinn signed a bill into law Thursday that directly impacts children. The new law will educate kids about sexual abuse, with an age-appropriate curriculum in schools.
Erin's Law is named after Illinois-native Erin Merryn, who was sexually abused when she was a child. But the Schuamburg native said she didn't know to tell anyone - because she didn't know how.
Merryn, 27, has been pushing for more education about it in schools. She told Good Day Chicago about her initiative early Thursday morning, saying has gotten the law passed in five states, and won't stop until it's passed nationwide.
The measure known builds on the requirement for middle and high schools to provide sexual assault and abuse education. Under the law, schools must instruct pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students in an age-appropriate manner.
Quinn signed the legislation Thursday at the Northwest Cook County Children's Advocacy Center in Hoffman Estates. The governor invited her to a February national meeting of governors to talk about the issue.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:12:41 GMT
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:27:58 GMT
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:55:58 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:12:41 GMT
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Saturday, June 15 2013 12:19 PM EDT2013-06-15 16:19:59 GMT
While the school year is winding down for Chicago Public Schools students, police and other city departments are preparing Safe Passage routes for the fall.
While the school year is winding down for Chicago Public Schools students, police and other city departments are preparing Safe Passage routes for the fall.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:10 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:10:30 GMT
About 850 teachers and staffers at schools doomed to either close this month or to reboot their staffs were handed pink slips Friday afternoon, according to Chicago Public Schools.
About 850 teachers and staffers at schools doomed to either close this month or to reboot their staffs were handed pink slips Friday afternoon, according to Chicago Public Schools.
Learn-a-palooza is a free festival where people learn from one another. Organizers say their mission is to foster free, creative exploration and help strengthen and develop communities. Kinna Thompson explains.
Learn-a-palooza is a free festival where people learn from one another. Organizers say their mission is to foster free, creative exploration and help strengthen and develop communities. Kinna Thompson explains.
Thursday, June 13 2013 10:49 AM EDT2013-06-13 14:49:47 GMT
Homelessness remains a big problem facing Chicago and the state of Illinois, particularly for military veterans. The Pritzker Military Library is doing its part to stop the trend.
Homelessness remains a big problem facing Chicago and the state of Illinois, particularly for military veterans. The Pritzker Military Library is doing its part to stop the trend.
A group of authors are touring the country on the Young Authors Give Back tour, trying to inspire young writers to follow their dreams. Authors Erin Bowman and Kat Zhang explained how the tour works.
A group of authors are touring the country on the Young Authors Give Back tour, trying to inspire young writers to follow their dreams. Authors Erin Bowman and Kat Zhang explained how the tour works.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:02 AM EDT2013-06-12 15:02:19 GMT
For now, Chicago Public Schools has legally left the door open to the possibility of halting 10 of its 50 historic school closings, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
For now, Chicago Public Schools has legally left the door open to the possibility of halting 10 of its 50 historic school closings, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Baseball legend and Cubs Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson works with Citi Cub Kids, a program that partners with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. He's visiting Polaris Charter Academy to send a positive message!
Baseball legend and Cubs Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson works with Citi Cub Kids, a program that partners with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. He's visiting Polaris Charter Academy to send a positive message!
The Little Style File's Kristin Cheuvront shared great ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this summer, like playing in nature, getting into the kitchen, encouraging reading and developing personal style!
The Little Style File's Kristin Cheuvront shared great ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this summer, like playing in nature, getting into the kitchen, encouraging reading and developing personal style!
Monday, June 10 2013 11:33 AM EDT2013-06-10 15:33:51 GMT
Good Day got a taste of science at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont Monday morning, where they've unveiled their Green Racing Simulator to teach kids about alternative energy.
Good Day got a taste of science at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont Monday morning, where they've unveiled their Green Racing Simulator to teach kids about alternative energy.
