Be Seen and Heard Student Program

Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193) was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires all public schools to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program for grades preK-12. In response to this important mandate, Hawthorn District 73 is again hosting the Be Seen and Heard© assembly program for all preschool and elementary students. This year, students will attend during the week of December 1, 2025. The program is designed to create an age-appropriate, safe, and engaging environment in which students learn the difference between safe and unsafe touch, and the importance of having trusted heroes.

Mr. Victor Pacini, an author, motivational speaker, and survivor of sexual abuse,

developed the Be Seen and Heard© program. Mr. Pacini is a native to the area, and his program has been used with over 850,000 students and parents nationwide; it is developmentally appropriate, interactive, and aligned with the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards. The primary goal of Be Seen and Heard© is to teach children basic skills that keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The concepts that will be discussed include

• Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches

• Safety rules at home and school

• Saying “no”

• Safe/Unsafe secrets

• It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches them

• Telling a trusted adult