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An Unimaginable Act: Overcoming and Preventing Child Abuse Through Erin's Law
By sharing her personal journey through the pain she has suffered at the hands of her perpetrators, author Erin Merryn proves that one person can make a difference in the lives of others. Simply by speaking out and bringing the subject of child sexual abuse to the forefront, she has created a wave of change—change not only in legislature, but also in the hearts of those around her and the world.
In this thought-provoking book, readers will discover an in-depth, personal account of Erin's story and how—through using positive outlets—she was able to rebuild her life and heal from a childhood filled with sexual abuse. Part memoir, part resource guide, Erin shares with readers key organizations that provide essential support for victims and caregivers, warning signs that a child who is being abused might display, and why Erin's Law is so essential.
In this thought-provoking book, readers will discover an in-depth, personal account of Erin's story and how—through using positive outlets—she was able to rebuild her life and heal from a childhood filled with sexual abuse. Part memoir, part resource guide, Erin shares with readers key organizations that provide essential support for victims and caregivers, warning signs that a child who is being abused might display, and why Erin's Law is so essential.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
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157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 25, 2013
I have put this review off for long enough. At first I didn't know exactly HOW to write the review. After all, the subject matter is near and dear to my heart. The words are emotional. But there is hope. So much hope.
Erin Merryn believes everyone is born for a purpose. And although she doesn't believe that the abuse she endured was THE purpose, she believes that through her pain she has found a purpose. In 2010 she quit her job and began the task of passing Erin’s Law. Even in the face of criticism Erin pressed ahead. Even when her health was failing, she did not stop. She found herself in an interview with Oprah and Glamour’s Woman of the Year. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was passing Erin’s Law. This is her calling. God gave Erin her voice back, so she could use it to give abuse victims their voice back. To teach children that they don’t have to be silent when someone abuses them in this way. To share the secrets. To stamp out the evil of childhood sexual abuse.
The mission of Erin’s law is to get education in all 50 states on the prevention of sexual abuse by empowering children with their voice instead of allowing sex offenders to silence them.
I will admit. This book is tough reading. I've not read her previous books yet. If they are as raw as this book is, I’m not sure I can stomach them. This book is NOT for the faint of heart or the easily offended. She is real, honest, and raw. If you want to know what a 7-year-old feels and thinks being raped by an older man, this book lets you know. It is horrifying. Beyond belief graphic. It made me sick to my stomach. My heart wept. Bled. I can’t imagine the depth of the pain. And then to see the way she kept her silence. A little child should never have to carry that type of a burden. I was frustrated by the adults around her who could not see her pain, her way of saying, "Please. Help me." But mostly, I weep, because I've been there.
And although my experience was not heinous, the damage is similar. The hole it ripped in the fabric of our lives can never be repaired. Like Erin, I have regained my voice. And I too have felt called to speak out. To be a voice for the voiceless. For the little child who is used and then told to be quiet. It’s a taboo subject that needs to be exposed. Light shines on the darkness and evil flees!
I am on a mission to put sex offenders out of business by empowering children with their voices, which should never be silenced. ~ Erin Merryn
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book. To know that abuse victims are no longer keeping quiet about their "secret". That we no longer are going to accept "That’s just the way things are." The most powerful words in this book sums up what I want to convey most from this review.
It is never easy for me to revisit the traumatic events from my life, whether I am writing them down or standing on a stage speaking to three thousand people. However, I do it because, unlike my innocence, the one thing I have been able to reclaim is my voice. I speak for every abused child out there. It is therapeutic and empowering. ~ Erin
Thank you Erin. For sharing your story. For standing up for us. Giving us a voice. Making a difference that will mean our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have a chance for a better life. Truly. Amazed. Beyond words.
When this law comes to Oregon, I will be there supporting it. With my voice. My words. My feet. My time.
Erin Merryn believes everyone is born for a purpose. And although she doesn't believe that the abuse she endured was THE purpose, she believes that through her pain she has found a purpose. In 2010 she quit her job and began the task of passing Erin’s Law. Even in the face of criticism Erin pressed ahead. Even when her health was failing, she did not stop. She found herself in an interview with Oprah and Glamour’s Woman of the Year. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was passing Erin’s Law. This is her calling. God gave Erin her voice back, so she could use it to give abuse victims their voice back. To teach children that they don’t have to be silent when someone abuses them in this way. To share the secrets. To stamp out the evil of childhood sexual abuse.
The mission of Erin’s law is to get education in all 50 states on the prevention of sexual abuse by empowering children with their voice instead of allowing sex offenders to silence them.
I will admit. This book is tough reading. I've not read her previous books yet. If they are as raw as this book is, I’m not sure I can stomach them. This book is NOT for the faint of heart or the easily offended. She is real, honest, and raw. If you want to know what a 7-year-old feels and thinks being raped by an older man, this book lets you know. It is horrifying. Beyond belief graphic. It made me sick to my stomach. My heart wept. Bled. I can’t imagine the depth of the pain. And then to see the way she kept her silence. A little child should never have to carry that type of a burden. I was frustrated by the adults around her who could not see her pain, her way of saying, "Please. Help me." But mostly, I weep, because I've been there.
And although my experience was not heinous, the damage is similar. The hole it ripped in the fabric of our lives can never be repaired. Like Erin, I have regained my voice. And I too have felt called to speak out. To be a voice for the voiceless. For the little child who is used and then told to be quiet. It’s a taboo subject that needs to be exposed. Light shines on the darkness and evil flees!
I am on a mission to put sex offenders out of business by empowering children with their voices, which should never be silenced. ~ Erin Merryn
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book. To know that abuse victims are no longer keeping quiet about their "secret". That we no longer are going to accept "That’s just the way things are." The most powerful words in this book sums up what I want to convey most from this review.
It is never easy for me to revisit the traumatic events from my life, whether I am writing them down or standing on a stage speaking to three thousand people. However, I do it because, unlike my innocence, the one thing I have been able to reclaim is my voice. I speak for every abused child out there. It is therapeutic and empowering. ~ Erin
Thank you Erin. For sharing your story. For standing up for us. Giving us a voice. Making a difference that will mean our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have a chance for a better life. Truly. Amazed. Beyond words.
When this law comes to Oregon, I will be there supporting it. With my voice. My words. My feet. My time.
February 6, 2023
This is one of those books where you say “I’m so glad I read this… and I never want to read it again.”
The topic of child sexual abuse is such an unfortunate taboo, when 1-in-4 girls and 1-in-6 boys will be abused by age 18 in the US — WHY are we not talking about this?!
Erin shares, in excruciating detail, her experience being molested by her older cousin and her best friend’s uncle. There were times I had to take a break reading it because I was nauseated, but I understood the reason she shares such graphic scenes. 1. It’s cathartic for her, and 2. She carried this burden alone for years as a child and that’s a burden no child should have to carry. We can’t turn a blind eye to the epidemic of sexual abuse anymore. She shared the details because sexual abuse is a very real threat to the children in our lives and we need to be prepared.
This is a book every parent and teacher should read. She explains all of the signs she exhibited of an abused child: behavioral changes, phobias, panic attacks, aggression, learning difficulty, and in the end of the book she has a whole list of other signs as well as resources for where to go if a child in your life is / may be a victim of sexual abuse.
Erin has endured tremendous hardships in her life which she explains in this story (I won’t share spoilers) that I was shocked to learn. She has a fascinating life and is one of the most resilient women I’ve ever known of. Even if your life hasn’t been affected by sexual abuse, this is still an inspiring story of a young woman who never gave up.
The topic of child sexual abuse is such an unfortunate taboo, when 1-in-4 girls and 1-in-6 boys will be abused by age 18 in the US — WHY are we not talking about this?!
Erin shares, in excruciating detail, her experience being molested by her older cousin and her best friend’s uncle. There were times I had to take a break reading it because I was nauseated, but I understood the reason she shares such graphic scenes. 1. It’s cathartic for her, and 2. She carried this burden alone for years as a child and that’s a burden no child should have to carry. We can’t turn a blind eye to the epidemic of sexual abuse anymore. She shared the details because sexual abuse is a very real threat to the children in our lives and we need to be prepared.
This is a book every parent and teacher should read. She explains all of the signs she exhibited of an abused child: behavioral changes, phobias, panic attacks, aggression, learning difficulty, and in the end of the book she has a whole list of other signs as well as resources for where to go if a child in your life is / may be a victim of sexual abuse.
Erin has endured tremendous hardships in her life which she explains in this story (I won’t share spoilers) that I was shocked to learn. She has a fascinating life and is one of the most resilient women I’ve ever known of. Even if your life hasn’t been affected by sexual abuse, this is still an inspiring story of a young woman who never gave up.
March 12, 2014
A book every parent needs to read. Such a wonderful person to create a voice for those whose voice was suppressed! She gives hope to the hopeless! Way to go Erin!
August 21, 2017
While I appreciate what the author had been through and applaud her drive to have Erin's Law become reality, I felt this book was poorly written.
May 5, 2014
This is the best book yet. I sat there reading this book wondering, "what else can life throw at this girl?!" We all have "stuff" but this girl keep getting it thrown at her, one thing after another. Yet it energizes her - rather than seeing things as roadblocks, she just takes a running leap at each wall, clears it and keeps going in the direction she's chosen. She is a dynamo. These books need to be read, because people need to have blinders removed from their eyes. We are ALL responsible for the safety of children in our world. They are worth fighting for, and these child molesters, and the people in their lives that turn a blind eye need to be held accountable and understand that it's not right to sexually abuse a child, NOR is it acceptable to pretend it's not happening in your corner of the world if it is.
October 3, 2013
An Unimaginable Act by Erin Merryn was a very tough read for me. Not sure if it was because of the graphic details Ms. Merryn provided regarding her abuse or the fact that no one picked up on what was going on. She was abused by one of her friends uncles as well as a family cousin for many years. Glad that she is doing well now and pursing her cause "Erin's Law." She's one tough girl!!! Received courtesy of Net Galley.
September 11, 2014
A MUST READ for parents and child care providers!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews