Erin Merryn Speaking Event

Yellowstone District Exchange Clubs will host Erin Merryn, a survivor of childhood sexual assault, on Saturday, May 4th, as part of the Exchange Club District Convention. Merryn is a well-respected and internationally recognized author, speaker and advocate, and she is the driver behind Erin’s Law, which is considered the first U.S. sexual abuse prevention education bill.

>> This special event is free for school administrators, educators, and child advocates; however, space is limited so registration is required for entry.

The event will be held at Big Horn Resort, 1801 Majestic Lane in Billings. Doors will open at 10:15 am and the program will begin at 10:30 am. Additionally, Merryn will hold a book signing following her presentation. Her book, “Stolen Innocence” will be available for purchase.

Erin will take the audience through her journey by sharing her experience of being sexually abused, which she documented in her childhood diary, and her fight for Erin’s Law, an international law that requires personal body safety being taught in public schools every year.

Childhood trauma leads to education law

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 (Erin’s Law) that 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 have passed Erin’s Law, with legislation pending in the remaining 12 states (including Idaho). For more information about this law, visit www.erinslaw.org.

>> This special event is free for school administrators, educators, and child advocates; however, space is limited so registration is required for entry.

Thank you to our sponsors!
Intermountain Health
Riverstone Health
Fortin Foundation
United Way
Marsh McLennan