NY Senate approves bill to teach children how to talk about sexual abuse

David J. Valesky

By Teri Weaver on April 30, 2014 at 11:30 AM, updated April 30, 2014 at 11:35 AM

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Schools would teach children about recognizing and reporting sexual abuse under a bill passed by the New York State Senate on Tuesday.

The bill, known as Erin Merryn's Law, would require schools to establish curriculum to help sexual abuse victims ask for help. This is the second year the Senate has passed the law. Last year, the legislation died in the New York State Assembly.

The legislation is named after Erin Merryn, an Illinois resident who as a child was abused by both a neighbor and a family member.

Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, is a co-sponsor of the bill. All Central New York lawmakers voted for the bill.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/04/ny_senate_approves_bill_to_require_schools_to_talk_about_child_sexual_abuse.html