Beckie Francis, an award-winning basketball coach and speaker, assisted in efforts to pass Erin’s Law in Michigan. The law, signed by Michigan’s governor in early 2013, is designed to provide education to children and teachers regarding child sexual abuse. As an advocate for the victims of child abuse, Beckie Francis celebrated the passing of the law that originated in Illinois. It has since been passed in 26 states and is pending in 17 more.

1. ERIN’S LAW HELPS EDUCATORS RECOGNIZE
THE SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Beckie Francis

2. INTRODUCTION
 Beckie Francis, an award-winning basketball coach and
speaker, assisted in efforts to pass Erin’s Law in
Michigan. The law, signed by Michigan’s governor in early
2013, is designed to provide education to children and
teachers regarding child sexual abuse. As an advocate for
the victims of child abuse, Beckie Francis celebrated the
passing of the law that originated in Illinois. It has since
been passed in 26 states and is pending in 17 more.
One of the goals of Erin’s Law is to train educators to
recognize the signs of child sexual abuse. If a child is
exhibiting one or more of the following signs, it may
indicate an abusive situation:

3. ERIN’S LAW
 1. Sudden changes in emotional behavior
2. Nightmares with screaming, night sweats, or shaking
3. A regression in behaviors such as bed-wetting or thumb-
sucking
4. A loss of appetite or other issues related to food
5. Unexplained injuries such as bruises, rashes, cuts, or genital
pain
6. Sudden aversion to being alone with certain people
7. An unusual interest in matters related to sexuality
8. Changes in school performance
9. Engagement in high-risk activities such as drugs, alcohol, or
carrying a weapon
The law not only includes funding for education in public schools;
it also provides for resources and counseling for victims of child
sexual assault.