Erin Merryn in state supporting Erin’s Law

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Erin Merryn will be in Anchorage and Juneau this week in support of “Erin’s Law,” an effort to prevent childhood sexual abuse.

House Bill 233, sponsored by Rep. Geran Tarr, a Democrat from Anchorage, calls for school districts to develop age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in grades kindergarten through 12.

Merryn, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, has been leading a national campaign in giving children the tools to protect themselves from abuse and school staff and administrators the ability to recognize the signs of abuse.

Last year, the Office of Children’s Services statistics show 2,296 allegations of child sexual abuse in Alaska.

Eight states have already passed Erin’s Law.

The bill goes before the House Education Committee on Friday.

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Online:

HB 233: https://bit.ly/OSyi7h