Albany, NY – A lengthy battle waged by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and advocates for survivors of childhood sexual abuse has finally come to a close with the Governor's signature on Erin's Law. The law requires public schools to teach children about how to recognize and react to inappropriate behavior from adults in addition to parents and school personnel about how to recognize the signs that a child is being abused. Erin's Law had become the top priority for advocates following the successful passage of the Child Victims Act earlier in 2019.

Assemblyman Dinowitz has carried the bill since 2012, and it was first introduced as a much-needed modernization of 1994 legislation which first introduced the concept of “stranger danger.” Over the years, as more survivors of childhood sexual abuse have come forward, the data has shown that trusted acquaintances are the most frequent abusers followed by family members and then strangers.

The new legislation adds a new section of education law that requires age-appropriate curricula to be defined by the New York State Education Department in consultation with the Health Department. The curricula will be “designed to educate students, parents, and school personnel about the prevention of child sexual exploitation and abuse in grades kindergarten through eight.” New York becomes the 38th state nationwide to require such curricula to be developed.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “The proactive preventative approach taken by Erin’s Law is an integral complement to the Child Victims Act, which is primarily focused on seeking justice after abuse has already occurred. New York must do everything in its power to protect children, and this new requirement accomplishes just that. I am proud that Governor Cuomo has signed this bill into law, and I thank longtime advocates such as Erin Merryn, Gary Greenberg, and many others who never gave up on this fight for our children and grandchildren. This bill is proof that perseverance pays off, especially when you are on the right side of history.”

The bill was sponsored by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi in the State Senate.