Erin's Law

What is Erin’s Law

Erin’s Law requires instruction on sexual abuse and assault awareness/prevention education in schools. South Carolina is one of nearly 40 states where the law has passed.

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Specifically, the law requires that public schools implement a program that teaches:

  • Students (preK-12) age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult

  • School personnel about child sexual abuse

  • Parents and guardians the warning signs of child sexual abuse, plus needed assistance, referral or resource information to support sexually abused children and their families

The law is named after childhood sexual assault survivor and activist Erin Merryn.

Contact Information

South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS):  1-888-CARE4US (888-227-3487).

Should you have questions about the instructional delivery of Erin’s Law, please contact Dr. Anne Pressley, Director, Office of Standards and Learning, at apressley@ed.sc.gov or 803-734-8574.

Should you have questions about Erin’s Law from a school counseling perspective, please contact Sherrie Beaver, School Counseling Personnel Liaison, at sabeaver@ed.sc.gov or 803-734-6267.