Oct. 18, 2012

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University will host an event tonight at 7 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Conference Room A to generate awareness on childhood sexual abuse. The event is titled "From Stolen Innocence to Fearlessness and Forgiveness", and the nationally-recognized speaker will be Erin Merryn. Head women's basketball coach Beckie Francis will be hosting the event.

"I'm really excited to hear Erin speak live," said Francis. "I have listened to her on Oprah, and she has also been on CNN and Good Morning America. The testimonies she has given to various state legislatures are powerful. I admire Erin's courage to speak out for those who cannot."

Merryn is a victim of sexual abuse beginning at the age of six. She now travels across the country to share her story with thousands of people and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, Montel Williams, CNN, and Good Morning America. Her mission is in helping give survivors a voice by sharing her story publicly, but also spreading Erin's Law.

The purpose of Erin's law is to mandate school districts to implement and educate students on sexual abuse by adopting age appropriate curriculum for grades Preschool-5th Grade. Educating students in school is an effective way to ensure children do not fall prey to sexual abuse or stay silent if it does occur.

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