There are around 5,000 people living in communities around the South West who have been convicted of sexual offences. Evidence suggests that a strengths-based community response can have a significant impact on its prevention. Circles South West enables local communities to prevent further sexual abuse taking place by providing Circles of Support and Accountability for those convicted of sexual offences or with harmful sexual behaviour. It is one of the fastest growing approaches to the management of people who have sexually offended. By minimising alienation, supporting safe reintegration and ensuring the individual takes responsibility for what they do and the effect it has on others, we can prevent sexual reoffending.
About us
Circles South West is an independent charity established in 2010. We work in close partnership with health, police, probation and youth offending services, uniquely providing Circles of Support and Accountability across South West England. We are the only recognised partner of the Ministry of Justice and statutory agencies/MAPPA, providing specialist support and accountability to enhance the management of people who have sexually offended in the community.
Our volunteers
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work of helping to prevent further sexual abuse in our communities and achieving our mission of no more victims. Our specially trained volunteers create a Circle with a single individual, meeting regularly every week for 12 to 18 months to help them identify risk, be safe in the community and hold them to account for their behaviour. Progress is regularly reviewed and shared with public protection agencies.
