IPPPRI and partners establish ECHO Survivor Hub

The new Safe Online-funded ECHO Survivor Hub focuses on improving the global response for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), who are no longer the subject of an investigation.

The project is being delivered by a powerful consortium comprising the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute, the Internet Watch Foundation, Child Rescue Coalition, and Protect Children.

Currently victims and survivors of CSAM are often forgotten, as they are further harmed when their images and videos of sexual abuse are shared and viewed time after time. Many victims and survivors have no way of knowing whether their images and videos are still in circulation, being removed from platforms, or if the offenders who possess their abuse images are being prosecuted and convicted.

As a result, victims and survivors are not being supported to secure criminal compensation and civil remedy or help to deal with their long-lasting trauma.

The ECHO Survivor Hub addresses the gaps and ensures victims and survivors are not forgotten. Project solutions include:

• Matching the hash* of CSAM to victims and survivors whose child sexual abuse has been recorded and shared online.
• Providing the victims and survivors:
• Opportunities to connect with the Internet Watch Foundation for removal of their CSAM;
• Confidence that law enforcement around the world is targeting offenders in possession of their CSAM;
• Support with writing their victim impact statements and ensuring that their voice is heard, especially when an offender is prosecuted;
• Peer-to-peer psychoeducational resources designed to facilitate their healing journey and support trauma recovery.

The project will run for two years, with an ambition to create a long-term sustainable model that can provide a global solution, and ensure that every victim and survivor of child sexual abuse material receives the support they need. Victims’ and survivors’ voices and wisdom are central to the project, ensuring that services and support remain survivor-centred and trauma-informed.

*Hash is a digital fingerprint, or label that identifies a picture of confirmed child sexual abuse (Internet Watch Foundation)