New Law Will Require NJ Schools to Teach About Sexual Abuse

New Jersey is latest state to adopt ‘Erin’s Law,’ calling for age-appropriate education on the topic from preschool to 12th grade

Starting this fall, every school district in the state will be required to include age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness education in their curriculum.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday signed “Erin’s Law,” named in honor of Erin Merryn, a survivor of child sexual abuse turned advocate.

First introduced in Merryn’s home state of Illinois, the bill has now been adopted by more than 35 states.

New Jersey’s Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Children and Families, will develop age-appropriate resources and learning activities for students in preschool through 12th grade.