Erin Merryn is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and child abuse advocate and activist. She earned her MSW from Aurora University. For six years of her childhood she was sexually abused, keeping her secret locked away in her childhood diary. Before graduating high school Merryn published her diary into a book called "Stolen Innocence." She has since published four more books.

In 2013, she had Erin’s Law passed in her home state of Illinois -- a law that requires personal body safety taught in public schools every year. She has made it her mission to have it passed in all 50 states. Erin’s Law was passed in 38 U.S. states before being signed into federal law.

Since 2004, Merryn has shared her story in over two hundred publications and appeared on "Oprah," OWN, "Today," "Good Morning America," "CBS This Morning," CNN, Fox, Katie Couric, Tamron Hall, MSNBC among others. In 2015 she was featured in the documentary "Breaking the Silence" on TLC. Glamour magazine named Merryn "Woman of the Year" and People magazine named her one of fifteen women changing the world.

Merryn lives in Chicago, Illinois where she is married and the mother of four.

College, Sexual Assault Recovery, Child Abuse, Activists, Authors, Children, Social Justice, Political, At-Risk Youth, Teen & Young Adult Issues, Youth Foster Care, Social Work, Underprivileged Children,