New law will help combat sexual abuse of children

Children are shown how to escape a burning building and how to behave during an earthquake. They are cautioned not to talk to strangers and not to answer the door when parents are absent. But they aren’t taught how to prevent sexual abuse. They aren’t told that it’s not alright to be touched in private areas of their bodies and that it is OK to tell someone. Nor is it their fault. Sexual abuse for a child steals the essence of who the child is, dooming him a failure at life’s beginnings. Rather like drowning a rose in acid.

On March 15, 2018, House Bill 1539 was signed into law for all children in Washington state. It trains teachers, school personnel, age-appropriate students and others who have daily contact with children to spot the warning signs of sexual abuse.

Too often victims are misdiagnosed as “behavioral problems” or ones with “learning difficulties” or ones in plain sight, but no one sees — ones without friends often the targets of cruel jokes by their peers, like me.

HB 1539 (“Erin’s Law”) takes back the power and control these predators have over their victims, allowing the healing to begin.

As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I know that with God, all things are possible. I am now a strong voice for victims and other survivors like me.

Sir Winston Churchill said: “Success is not final. Nor is failure fatal. Instead, it is having the courage to keep on going.”

Linda Schaeffer

Westport