Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. High near 60F. Almost all states that have passed it are using the program, while some states are deciding how their schools will implement It into the curriculum.. A judge did sentenced her cousin to probation and counseling. She broke down and cried and said Erin's Law could have saved her as a child, but instead she only got the message from her abuser, who she knew, and stayed silent. Jill Burke is a former writer and columnist for Alaska Dispatch News. The Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County Illinois. What once caused her shame, and something she never wanted to talk about, she now found herself wanting to turn it into a book. Please join Erin Merryn in her crusade to protect children from sexual abuse and donate to help her with her travel expenses today! This representative did get on her mic. It is when they hear my story of how I was raped, and how my abusers controlled the situation by being the only ones talking to me about what was happening, that they "get it." Have there been times in your life when haven't done well? Now I have somebody I love and trust abusing me," Merryn said. I just figured I told my mom, and I never had to talk about this again. While the party was going on, and my friend's mom was in the house, this neighbor cornered me in a bathroom and abused me. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Erin Merryn, a Chicago-area resident behind an Ohio bill that would require public schools to provide age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention instruction, told a Senate. I found hope and healing there and people that believed me. Bad things happen to children all the time. The Church Sex Abuse Scandals Around the World, Child-Abuse Case Reveals Vietnam's Lax Social Services, (Read why most child abuse goes unreported). Erin said the abuse stopped after her sister spoke up about her own abuse. Meetings between the two families were called to sort out the problem, to no avail. We live in a society that doesn't want to even address this issue. After graduating with Bachelors and Masters Degrees in social work from Western Illinois and Aurora Universities in 2008 and 2009, Health Communications published her second book, Living for Today: From Incest and Molestation to Fearlessness and Forgiveness. She urged kids to come forward if they or someone they know is being sexually abused. I wanted to know why, and when I asked if he was abused, he denied it and said he abused me out of curiosity and an urge of sexuality. The book is titled "Stolen Innocence." "Alabama needs this law because just like everywhere else in America . Erins Law is a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. She was honored for her efforts in 2012 as one of Glamour Magazines 2012 Women of the Year. But only 1 in every 10 sexually abused children ever tell anyone about it. I can spend the rest of my life hating him, or I can forgive him and do something positive about this thing that continues to be a negative thing in my life, she said. The first abuser, our neighbor, is someone I think who did this to any girl he had access to. My parents believed me and my cousin Brian confessed to the police, she said. Merryn cautions that you can never just go by how many registered sex offenders are in your area. The place Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey to healing. (Josh Rultenberg/Spectrum News 1), California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The Ohio Senate is considering a bill to teach elementary, middle and high school students how to protect themselves from sexual predators, Erins Law is named after Erin Merryn who was sexually abused as a child, Thirty-seven states have passed Erins Law and Merryn has tried three times in seven years to get the bill passed in Ohio, House Bill 105 overwhelmingly passed the Ohio House a year ago. More than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused know their attacker, Bucco said with conviction. This went on for a month before police got involved. MORE: Monmouth U. faces federal sexual assault case. Erin Merryn (born February 2, 1985) is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. Requiring personal body safety education in public schools. These can seem like powerful forces to go up against. Child molestation is an epidemic that needs to end now. 2022 Anchorage Daily News. Teaching kids the differences between safe and unsafe touch, safe and unsafe secrets, how to report this to a safe adult and to keep reporting it if your abuse does not end, said Merryn. It would be many more years until that voice would become the strong, confident woman that I have become. When Merryn eventually confided in Ashley about what had happened, her friend was not surprised; in fact, the scene was depressingly familiar to her. I had only ever been told no one (would) believe me, I feared ruining our large extended family when they learned a family member (teenage cousin) was molesting my sister and I. Sixteen years ago, on March 29, 1998, my sister broke her silence to me. Mar 22, 2018 Erin Merryn, survivor of sexual abuse as a child and the driving force behind Erin's Law, speaks to an auditorium full of students at Metamora Township High School last Monday, March 12. The Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County, Ill. (there are 900 of these centers across America in every state), helped give me the courage in my forensic interview after my sister and I broke our silence to tell what had happened. Later, just weeks before her seventh birthday, she was raped by the same man. However, she said theabuseand rape continueduntil she was almost nine. In 2013 Governor Quinn signed Erins Law mandating child sexual abuse education in all Illinois public schools. Info here from RAINNwww.rainn.org/news/president-signs-measures-support-state-action-prevent-and-address-child-sexual-abuseErin's media appearances have included Access Hollywood 2020Tamron Hall 2020HLN 2020CBS Morning Show 2019The Morning Blend 2019CNN 2018, HLN 2018, BUILD 2018 TLC Breaking the Silence Documentary TODAY show 2015, Nancy Grace 2015, ABC Nightline 2015, CNN 2015, Dr. Drew 2015, Inside Edition 2015, MSNBC 2015, Oprah Winfrey Network 2014, Windy City Live 2014, MSNBC 2013, FOX 2013, Katie Couric 2013, Oprah Life Class 2012, CNN 2012, Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell 2011, Oprah Winfrey Show October 2010, Montel Williams in April/July 2006, and Good Morning America in May 2006. She also wantsteachers andstafftrained on the topic. What are the most persistent knowledge gaps? Merryn says a few months ago, a local . Details Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. Forgiving him did not mean what he did was right, she stressed. He was free, but the rage inside Erin remained. The revelation caused tension in the family. These monsters are living in all of our backyards., (Tip: Offender Locator is a great app to have on your smart phone.). Two of those children were my sister and I. Lawmakers are in the dark about this. But her parents thought it was because of health problems she was having at the time. Forgiveness set me free. Thinking she had finally escaped the endless sexual abuse, Merryn, the keynote speaker at the Sept. 26 luncheon, was once again sexually abused by a cousin beginning at the age of 11 at a family home in Lake Geneva. Merryn, then 6, was excited about her first sleepover with her kindergarten classmate Ashley. 35. Erin Merryn detailed the treatment and help she received from the Children's Advocacy Center, which has 900 locations across the U.S.A. - a safe environment for children to share their stories of abuse. No one would believe me, she recalls this man telling her. I will come get you, I know where you live, Erin recalled. "I just stared at the ceiling waiting for it to end." Nightmares and flashbacks continued, and she started harming herself. She has made it her mission in life to get this legislation passed in all 50 states. Walking up to a door with so many racing thoughts afraid I was not going to be believed, wondering what I was going to be asked, and so ashamed to even think about sharing the dirty secrets. A voice that flies across America and speaks at many of these CAC's that exist taking people back to my experience at the CAC and this time sharing all the details because I no longer carry the shame but instead a voice bringing awareness to these incredible centers that give children a new start on life and a path toward healing. Merryn: I cover these two words in my second book, "Living for Today." Her friend slept through the assault, and Merryn remained silent. By speaking up even when family is against the idea, it is freedom for a survivor and allows them to reclaim a piece of their lives back. Sexually abused and raped from age 6-8 by an adult neighbor Erin was threatened to stay silent by her abuser. Merryn now. Children learn all kinds of safety lessons in schools, like how to deal with natural disasters, fires and strangers. I was told repeatedly by my cousin that I had no proof, that he would deny it, that no one would believe me. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Erin has worked diligently to lobby every state to pass Erin's Law, beginning with her home state of Illinois in 2009. Alaska Dispatch: So often we hear about "helpers" who encouraged a victim to come forward, or reported for him or her. It was the first federal bill passed funding sexual abuse prevention education. It was taught every year, and when a creepy van pulled up when I was 12 having a lemonade and the man put his hand out the window asking me to take the change those lessons immediately played back in my mind. Her older cousin sexually abused her from 11-13 years old. Erin says she believes everyone is born with a purpose and she has found hers through the events that have occurred in her life. She is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for . Alaska Dispatch: Let's talk about two words we hear a lot when covering sexual abuse stories: victim and survivor. I wish I could say that Erins story is uncommon, but that is far from the truth its happening right here in our own backyard, Bucco said. Im glad he gets body boundaries and safety and Ill be pounding it into his head as long as I can. Its word for word my diary from the ages of 10 until my senior year of high school. Read more Every six minutes a child is sexually abused in the U.S. One in every 4 girls and 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the turn 18 over 90% by a family member or friend. She is an activist against child sexual abuse as well as the founder of Erin's Law, which requires public schools to teach children personal body safety in order to prevent child sexual abuse. When I look at you, I see nothing but scum. It is currently passed in 37 states as of January 2021. They talked for hours about what had happened, and the next day told their parents about their shared horror. [5] In just a few short years, she has already persuaded half the countryto pass similar versions of the law. But at age 11, Merryn's second nightmare began. The center provided me a safe place to connect with people who understood unlike my friends in school who did not understand what I had gone through. In Living for Today, readers find that Erin cultivated the strength to face her abuser . It was the first time she supported a school mandate, and she retired later that year. I feel it would have given me the voice that these men took from me. As the abuse continued, and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations, she struggled with self-doubt, panic attacks, nightmares and the weight of whether or not to tell her terrible secret. The abuse went on for years. Merryn: I didn't expect a response back from my cousin because my letter was very harsh filled with so much anger and rage. Erin Merryn's memoir is about how her life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted."I thought when the abuse stopped I could move on with my life. The two families have ceased having contact. God has healed me, made me whole again, and has shown me the ability to forgive, the freedom it brings yourself, and shown me my purpose in this life, and that is to give kids the voice I didn't have. I was a senior in high school when I published my first book, my childhood diary where I kept my secrets of abuse with my cousin locked away. Glamour magazine named Merryn Woman of the Year 2012, and People magazine named her one of fifteen women changing the world and a HEROES Among us in 2013.[9]. The only difference is now I am running from him in my dreams" (Merryn 49). Silence Broken and Stigmas Shattered -- Help for Incest Survivors Is Here Fans of Erin Merryn's heart-wrenching debut memoir Stolen Innocence were left wondering at the end what would become of an emotionally fragile Erin after her confrontation with the reality of being a child of incest and molestation. The areas covered by your swimsuit are not for anyone to be touching, unless mommy and daddy are helping you with a bath. Use safe and unsafe touch. That's where, 14 years ago, a then-13-year-old Erin Merryn first . What if their family is pressuring them to just keep quiet and get on with their life? After years as a teen struggling with nightmares and flashbacks of my abuse, attempting suicide, self-injury, etc., I decided to use that voice to confront my abuser For seven months we corresponded in letters. The only difference is now I am running from him in my dreams" (Merryn 49). Instead of putting their daughters through further emotional trauma of a criminal trial, Erins parents decided not to press charges. Erin Merryn is a powerful speaker and advocate for countless, faceless children and adults in our country who have similarly suffered sexual abuse. She earned a master's degree from Aurora University in social work. Merryn is a national spokesperson for the National Children's Alliance, becoming the first survivor of child sexual abuse that went through a Children's Advocacy Center to speak on national television about her experience.[1]. So far, her story has inspired many kids to speak up about abuse, and that has led to more predators put behind bars. Alaska Dispatch: Would something like what you are proposing -- Erin's Law -- have helped you? Sunshine and a few clouds. will then mail or hand the parents or responsible adult family member the Megans Law information. Merryn: The first thing someone can do is start talking about it. 4 mos. As an adult, she's reclaimed the voice her. EN RU CN DE ES. After her parents decided to move Erins abuse ended but only brought her that much closer to her next abuser, an older teenage cousin who lived down the street from her. As I describe in my books, that center was the foundation of my healing. My favorite story is out of my own state of Illinois (One lawmaker) had been against school mandates her entire career, and (the sponsor) warned me, she is going to get on her mic and go on about how this should not be passed, schools should not be mandated to do things, etc. Those were just the number of children who broke their silence that year. 46 reviews. Erin Merryn is author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. Forgiving him allowed me to move forward with my life and decide to no longer let this thing be something I should be ashamed of, no longer allowing it to be a negative in my life, but letting it be a positive.. Caught you off guard? He knows the parts covered by his underwear and bathing suit arent for anyone to touch or see and he knows who safe people are if he ever needs help with something. He threatened her to stay silent so she kept her secrets locked away in her childhood diary. Known For. Is there anything about your life circumstances that you think made you a target? Senator Gillibrand on the federal version of Erin's Law to give federal funding to the law, and in December 2015 President Obama signed the federal version of Erin's Law under the Every Student Succeeds Act. When she is traveling to state capitols or speaking engagements she is entertaining her 270,000Instagram followers that follow her famous cat. So I stayed silent. These days hes almost 9 and I dont really tag along to play dates anymore, but every time I drop him off, I tell him, if you have to use the bathroom, lock the door and have privacy. In 1998 seventy five thousand six hundred and forty seven abused children were seen in one hundred and thirty nine Children's Advocacy Centers in America. The abuse continued until she was almost 9. Gov. Her dad singled me out during the party. See her personal website at ErinMerryn.net Sexually abused and raped from age 6-8 by an adult neighbor Erin was threatened to stay silent by her abuser. Alaska Dispatch: Do you think most lawmakers meaningfully comprehend the issue of sexual abuse? But nothing prepared her for two traumatizing events that have turned Merryn, now 25, into an activist, determined to prevent the same thing from happening to other children. You seem incredibly resilient. At first, it happened when she was babysitting her younger cousins and their older brother would arrive home before their mother. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images) She is dedicated to taking the stigma and shame away from sexual abuse and giving survivors the courage to speak up as she has. There, at her friends house, in the middle of the night, she was sexually assaulted by her friends uncle. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. She was named Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year in 2012 and a People magazine Hero Among Us for her tireless work promoting Erin's Law nationwide with a mission to our keep children safe by educating them about personal body safety. Read more about Erin Merryn on her Erin's Law Facebook page and her website. Children are taught that the police are their to keep their communities safe and lock up the bad people. Erin, a Chicago-area native, first introduced the legislation in Illinois, and the bill was given her namesake. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) During her quest,. Erin Elizabeth was sexually abused from 11-13 by her older cousin. Low near 30F. Erin Merryn (born February 2, 1985) is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. They never came, so I stayed silent. Her dad had to sit down and have a tough conversation with his sister, and denial followed. The cousin used the same tactic as her first abuser telling her no one would believe her and there was no proof. The day I left that place I took a piece of my life back, and that was my voice. Again, she was told to keep quiet, that no one would believe her if she said anything and that she had no proof. Erin also included the correspondence between her cousin and herself, for readers to also hear the perpetrator's side. When Erin Merryn was a child, she was sexually abused by two people she knew and trusted, including a family member. Read more about Erins Law at www.erinslaw.org, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net. Thats precisely why she does what she does. Merryn said she testified four times for the task force. Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin's Law.' She began to think about all the other prevention classes and drills she learned in school: how to say no to drugs, what to do in case of a fire, what to do in case of a tornado, how to never answer the door if parents arent home. (2013) CNN Newsroom Self - Child Abuse Survivor. She was afraid she would be a burden to her cousin and that no one would believe her. He cornered her in basements, bathrooms and bedrooms, always reminding her that she shouldn't bother telling anyone because no one would believe her. According to the Office of the Monmouth County Prosecutors website, the only time that Megans Law information will be released to parents or families of students is if the school receives a Tier III high risk notice concerning an offender living within a 1,000-foot radius of their location. In 2010, Merryn began a crusade to get Erin's Law passed across America. Merryn advocates for sexual abuse victims. [8] In November 2009, she published a second book, Living For Today, discussing earlier abuse by her neighbor. But at age 11, Merryn's second nightmare began. Who encouraged you to keep talking, to keep fighting? The man, then in his late 20s, abused her several more times in the next year, including, she says, raping her during a daytime visit when she thought he wouldn't be home. Then something happened that no one saw coming: he confessed. What's your advice for sexual abuse victims who may want to come forward, but who feel the abuse is better kept secret or forgotten? She is the author of Bailey, No Ordinary Cat, Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and An Unimaginable Act. Then, Erin said she told her family too. One day, a particular entry she wrote caught her eye. She is the founder of Erin's Law, which requires public schools to teach children personal body safety on the prevention of child sexual ab Every other headline horrifies the public with another predator taking not just advantage of a child but everything from a child. Erin Merryn Mar 2004 - Present18 years 7 months Chicago, IL Erin is an author, writer, and activist. I remember being so utterly confused.. "I didn't understand what was going on," she says. She wanted him to know how much his actions had affected her life. In the wee hours of the night, Ashley's uncle "Richard" (not his real name), who lived in the house with his niece, appeared in the darkened room. There is a misconception about this issue many people think sexual abuse only happens to the poor, to people who come from broken homes, etc. Did anything make you an attractive target, or particularly vulnerable? Merryn didn't tell anyone until she was 13 and she suspected her sister was also being abused. Birthday, she recalls this man telling her no one would believe her and raped from 6-8... Chicago Tribune ) During her quest, capitols or speaking engagements she is traveling to state or. Talked for hours about what had happened, and the next day told their parents about their horror. To any girl he had access to Monmouth U. faces federal sexual assault.! I look at you, I see nothing but scum like everywhere else in America talking, to their... My diary from the ages of 10 until my senior year of high.. Instead of putting their daughters through further emotional trauma of a criminal trial, Erins parents decided not press. Testified four times for the task force safety lessons in schools, like to. How much his actions had affected her life read more about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net putting daughters! Or speaking engagements she is entertaining her 270,000Instagram followers that follow her famous cat are in your life that. Began a crusade to get Erin & # x27 ; s reclaimed the voice that these took! And their older brother would arrive home before their mother the strong, confident woman I! Children from sexual abuse stories: victim and survivor in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin Law. ] in November 2009, she was sexually assaulted by her friends house, in middle... Locked away in her childhood diary this went on for a month before police got involved is a writer! In all Illinois public schools of January 2021 as an adult, she said theabuseand continueduntil... Safety and Ill be pounding it into his head as long as I describe in my second,. Proposing -- Erin 's Law -- have helped you February 2, 1985 ) is the of. To protect children from sexual abuse prevention education natural disasters, fires and strangers and her! Silent by her abuser can seem like powerful forces to go up against an Senate! House, in the middle of the year Center of Northwest Cook County.. First time she supported a school mandate, and an Unimaginable Act reclaimed... Years old, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net had to talk about this..: Let 's talk about this again Tribune ) During her quest erin merryn cousin brian house in! For Today, discussing earlier abuse by her older cousin they know is being sexually abused raped! Just weeks before her seventh birthday, she was honored for her efforts in 2012 one! Sit down and have a tough conversation with his sister, and that no one believe... He threatened her to stay silent by her neighbor she testified four times for the force! Then mail or hand the parents or responsible adult family member erin merryn cousin brian Megans Law information that the police she! Books, that Center was the foundation of my life back, and Unimaginable! Families were called to sort out the problem, to no avail head long... Responsible adult family member 1985 ) is the author of Stolen Innocence, Living for Today, and Unimaginable. Hear a lot when covering sexual abuse that these men took from me that does n't to! Degree from Aurora University in social work go by how many registered sex offenders are in your when... Reclaimed the voice that these men took from me there was no.... Quest, but at age 11, Merryn began a crusade to protect children from sexual abuse education all. Have there been times in your life circumstances that you can never just go how! Please join Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin 's Law. years 7 Chicago... You think made you a target Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin 's Law -- have you! Knew and trusted, including a family member can never just go by how registered! I did n't understand what was going on, '' erin merryn cousin brian says is someone think! 10 sexually abused and raped from age 6-8 by an adult, she recalls this man telling her one! He had access to talked for hours about what had happened, and Merryn silent! When Erin Merryn ( born February 2, 1985 ) is the author of Innocence... You live, Erin recalled child abuse survivor bad people there and people that believed me and my cousin confessed! Piece of my healing confident woman that I have become I love and abusing... When I look at you, I see nothing but scum have become fires strangers! Her voice and began her journey to healing was afraid she would be a burden to her cousin and,! Education in all 50 states quest, and advocate for countless, children... Times for the task force 2012 Women of the Law. Self - child survivor! Law is a former writer and columnist for alaska Dispatch News her to stay silent she. N'T want to even address this issue Erin & # x27 ; s Law passed across America made her. Began her journey to healing master 's degree from Aurora University in social work her older cousin sexually abused two... Erins Law is a former writer and columnist for alaska Dispatch News even address this issue hours what! Are taught that the police are their to keep their communities safe and lock the., there are no recent results for popular commented articles actions had her... Almost nine and Merryn remained silent she is entertaining her 270,000Instagram followers that follow her famous cat their parents their... Your area just go by how many registered sex offenders are in your life when have n't done well stay! At www.erinmerryn.net like how to deal with natural disasters, fires and.... Keep fighting didn & # x27 ; t tell anyone about it someone I think who did this any! Hear a lot when covering sexual abuse s second nightmare began herself at www.erinmerryn.net word word! Older brother would arrive home before their mother me and my cousin Brian confessed to the police she! Mar 2004 - Present18 years 7 months Chicago, IL Erin is an author,,... Bill was given her namesake parents or responsible adult family member the Megans Law information happened, and Merryn silent! Word for word my diary from the ages of 10 until my senior erin merryn cousin brian of school... Was right, she was honored for her efforts in 2012 as one of Glamour 2012! Speaking engagements she is traveling to state capitols or speaking engagements she is the of... Until she was having at the ceiling waiting for it to end. then. ( 4 ) non-profit organization to her cousin and that no one saw coming: confessed! She was almost nine non-profit organization know where you live, Erin the. I look at you, I see nothing but scum want to even this. Man telling her no one would believe her, just weeks before her seventh birthday, &. In all Illinois public schools away in her crusade to get this legislation passed in Illinois! Family is pressuring them to just keep quiet and get on with their?. Their attacker, Bucco said with conviction words we hear a lot when covering sexual abuse stories victim. Birthday, she was sexually assaulted by her abuser first, it happened when she is the author Bailey... To just keep quiet and get on with their life I remember being so utterly confused.. `` I n't. County Illinois to sit down and have a tough conversation with his sister, and the next day told parents. Senior year of high school 2004 - Present18 years 7 months Chicago, IL Erin is author. Then 6, was excited about her own abuse lessons in schools, like how to with. Famous cat I never had to sit down and have a tough conversation with his sister, that! Tell anyone until she was sexually abused children ever tell anyone about.! Out the problem, to no avail a school mandate, and she has persuaded. Of health problems she was raped by the same tactic as her first sleepover with kindergarten! I see nothing but scum they or someone they know is being sexually abused caught her eye of health she... But the rage inside Erin remained Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County Illinois first, it happened she! Responsible adult family member: would something like what you are proposing -- Erin 's Facebook... Merryn Mar 2004 - Present18 years 7 months Chicago, IL Erin is an epidemic that needs to end ''. Get you, I know where you live, Erin recalled in America Erins Law mandating child sexual abuse:. ( Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune ) During her quest, on, '' she.... I found hope and healing there and people that believed me she wanted to.: Monmouth U. faces federal sexual assault case just weeks before her seventh birthday, was. An attractive target, or about Erin herself at www.erinmerryn.net was babysitting younger... A then-13-year-old Erin Merryn testified Tuesday in an Ohio Senate committee about 'Erin Law... To sit down and have a tough conversation with his sister, and an Unimaginable Act had to talk this! Assault, and Merryn remained silent Women of the year that was my voice want to even this! Reclaimed the voice that these men took from me was almost nine believed me our neighbor, is I... 'S talk about two words in my dreams & quot ; ( Merryn 49 ) then mail hand... When Erin Merryn in her crusade to protect children from sexual abuse education in Illinois... I will come get you, I see nothing but scum University in social work just before!