The Network Board is in the process of setting legislative priorities for 2017 and Erin’s Law is already on the list. We are now in contact with other states that already have Erin’s Law on their books. The following are sources of information and news articles.

I hope this information will help those of us in Iowa (where Erin’s Law hasn’t been passed) to be better prepared to show legislators the importance of it and that it does work. Children’s lives are being saved and these monsters are being locked up because of it.

  1. An Illinois man was sentenced on October 6th to 40 years behind bars after a 9 year old disclosed rape starting when she was 3-7 years old. Disclosed after Erin’s Law presentation to her teacher.
    http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/10/06/lisle-man-gets-40-years-for-numerous-rapes-of-young-girl/
  2. This is out of Oklahoma this week where Erin’s Law passed (see HB1684). 2,700 children in one community were taught Erin’s Law and 80 children disclosed possible abuse. Of those 80, 62 confirmed cases of sexual abuse. http://muskogeephoenix.cnhi.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=38c4cdd67
  3. Finally there is a case back in May of this year. A man being held on 2.5 million bond after a child discloses abuse after learning Erin’s Law immediately to her teacher after suffering years of abuse. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160520/news/160529807/

And there are many more stories in other states coming out just like this because kids are learning how to speak up and tell.

It was 6 years ago that Erin’s Law was first discussed on Oprah and one state after another began to pass their own laws. (see https://youtu.be/V3RSTm-asvA) Six years later 28 states have passed it but there are still 22 more to go. The Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking will be launching efforts to get this passed and funded in Iowa.

Also, FYI, please download a copy of the Erin’s Law bill (PDF) that was introduced here in Iowa last year but did not get through committee. With your support, this next year will be different.

If you would like to join the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking Legislative/Public Policy committee, please contact George Belitsos, Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking Chair by email.