DIXON (WIFR) -- Yesterday, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2843 into law, making “Erin’s Law” effective immediately. Erin’s law creates a task force made up of practitioners to study child sexual abuse prevention programs for grades K – 5 in schools across Illinois. The task force will identify resources across the state and recommend specific curriculum and strategies for prevention programs to be adopted in schools.

Dixon is serving as a model for other cities across the State of Illinois. For years, Dixon Public Schools have partnered with the YWCA of the Sauk Valley to bring top level child sexual abuse prevention programs to our children. The Shining Star Children’s Center and the Dixon Police Department are leading the way by creating a community approach to raise awareness and prevent child sexual abuse. The “Champions for Children Walk” has been the platform for this message. Between 2009 and 2010, our team has presented to more than 3,000 community members. In addition to this, several more school districts in Lee County have formed partnerships with the YWCA.

Unfortunately, there are many gaps across the Sauk Valley Area and across our State. Erin Merryn fell victim to this when she was a young girl. She was abused by two separate offenders, a friend’s uncle and her older cousin. Growing up and going to school in Schaumberg, Illinois, she received important messages about fire drills and tornado drills. She learned the 8 ways to say no to drugs through DARE and was taught by local fireman to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if she was ever on fire. Erin never learned about “Safe Secrets” and “Safe Touches”. She was never taught the 8 ways to “Tell today and get away” and she never heard something as simple as “No, Go, Tell”. This is alarming because statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18 years old.

Chief Langloss said, “With the signing of “Erin’s Law”, children in Illinois are one step closer to getting the important information and education that Erin never had. Erin has brought a face and a voice for victims of sexual abuse and is helping their transition from victim to survivor. She is truly a hero.”

This year, the “Champions for Children Walk” is on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 at Lowell Park in Dixon. The Shining Star Children Center will once again use this event to create partnerships with key stakeholders and raise awareness on issues surrounding this significant national problem. For more information about how to schedule a presentation or become involved in the walk, contact Executive Director Joanna Dueth of the Shining Star Children’s Center at 815/284-1891.