Oregon’s law, Senate Bill 856, requires that all students are provided with age-appropriate instruction to help them understand how to keep their bodies safe and respond in unsafe situations, and to increase awareness of child sexual abuse. You may have heard of this law as “Erin’s Law.”
The purpose of the instruction is to provide students, in a nurturing and caring environment, the tools needed for personal safety. Please know that in accordance with OAR 581-022-1910, parents (and students 18 and older) can elect to “opt-out” of these specific learning activities. If you have questions about these materials, please contact your school's office. If you have questions about Erin’s Law or are looking for community resources regarding this topic, please see below.
ABOUT ERIN’S LAW
In 2012, Erin Merryn introduced legislation about childhood sexual assault prevention education in her home state of Illinois. A childhood sexual assault survivor, author, speaker, and activist, Erin was committed to ensuring that all public schools have a child sexual abuse prevention program. Legislator’s named the bill after her, which was adopted by Oregon in June 2015.
ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION
Victim Assistance (Marion County) (503) 588-5253
Center for Hope and Safety (Marion County) 503) 399-7722
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
El Programa Hispanico-Project UNICA (503) 232-4448
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network 1-800-656-HOPE (24/7, in English or Español)
Safe Horizon 1-800-621-4673
Victim Rights Law Center (503) 274-5477 x6