About ECHO

For more than 30 years, ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization) has provided education, advocacy and support services to the children and families of Metro Louisville. ECHO is dedicated to preventing and reducing the incidence and impact of child abuse. Through education we create awareness, with compassion we provide support, through advocacy we empower the voices of children and seek to create a stronger and safer community. ECHO has a solid history of making a difference in the lives of our children and youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a significant problem which continues to evolve and grow, requiring a multifaceted response. Child sexual abuse is far more prevalent than most people realize, and is likely the most prevalent health problem children face, with the most serious array of consequences. Child abuse is a public health crisis that impacts everyone in the community because it crosses all income levels, ethnicity groups, cultures, religions, and levels of education. The data clearly documents the ongoing need for child abuse prevention. Did you know:

• 1 in 10 children in the U.S. will be sexually abused before they turn 18
  90% of victims are abused by someone they know and trust; of that 30% are immediate or extended family members
• Only 38% of children that experience child sexual abuse discloses to an adult
• The number of sexual assault cases related to social media sites and interactions has increased 300% in the last 2 years