08 Apr Partner Spotlight: ECHO

Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO) works to end child abuse by teaching kids how to “say ‘no’, get away, and tell someone” if anyone ever makes them uncomfortable. We also hold conversations and trainings with adults on how to help kids get and stay safe. ECHO creates safe spaces that empower kids and adults to talk about abuse, whether that is disclosing personal abuse for the first time or helping adults find ways to start conversations with the kids in their lives. The issues we talk about include body safety, internet safety, commercial sexual exploitation of children, human trafficking, signs and symptoms of abuse, how to help survivors when they disclose, and more.

ECHO believes by talking about abuse and removing the stigma attached to it that we can really lower abuse rates. ECHO reminds us that it is more important to be safe than to be polite. If you’re an adult who suspects something, please don’t worry about offending the person who is suspicious because a kid’s life might be at stake. And for children and youth, “don’t worry about being polite” means to trust your gut feeling. If a situation doesn’t feel safe, get out. The people that love you will not care if someone thinks you’re rude because you felt unsafe.

Connect to ECHO by liking their Facebook page or visiting http://echo-ky.org/.

Check out free trainings for youth-serving organizations offered by ECHO here.

Photos from the Stewards of Children training facilitated by ECHO at the “It Takes a Village” Conference hosted by the Jefferson Network for Child Safety:

Photos from the Stewards of Children training facilitated by ECHO at the Americana Community Center: