Circles South West: Leading the Change During Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week
At Circles South West, we are dedicated to protecting communities from sexual harm, striving to achieve our vision of ‘No More Victims’ of sexual abuse. This year, we mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week with a wide range of impactful activities and initiatives #ITSNOTOKAY
Coordinating 41 Circles Across the Region
This week we are coordinating 41 Circles of Support and Accountability across South West England. Circles provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals who have committed sexual offences (and young people with harmful sexual behaviour). They meet regularly for 12 months+ with a small group of local volunteers who hold them to account and help them safely integrate into the local community, minimising the risk of further sexual harm. By fostering accountability and providing consistent support, we aim to create safer communities for everyone.
Providing One-to-One Interventions for Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB)
We provide a range of one-to-one interventions designed to help young individuals understand and change their behaviour, reducing the risk of future harm. Our approach is compassionate and evidence-based, ensuring that young people receive the guidance required to support positive changes in their lives.
Breaking the Cycle: Non-Offending Partner Programme
Breaking the Cycle is specifically designed for women with children whose partner or ex-partner has sexually abused children. The programme provides a safe space for partners to receive support, understand the dynamics of sexual offending, and develop strategies to protect their children and themselves from further harm. By empowering non-offending partners, we aim to break the cycle of abuse and promote healing.
Volunteer Core Training in Dorset
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and we are dedicated to providing them with the training and support required to effectively engage in Circles of Support and Accountability. This week we are delivering Volunteer Core Training and Assessment in Dorset, equipping our volunteers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively support our mission. This training covers a range of topics, including safeguarding, communication, and the principles of restorative justice.
Training for Professionals: Working with Young People with HSB in Dorset
In collaboration with the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council Community Safety Team, we are delivering specialist training for professionals working with young people with harmful sexual behaviour. This training aims to enhance professionals’ understanding and confidence, including topics such as distinguishing between normal and harmful sexual behaviour, understanding the pathways into harmful behaviour, and the impact of the online world for young people.
Presenting Community Prevention Service Feasibility Recommendations to Safer Plymouth
Over the last 12 months we have undertaken a Feasibility Study around the potential to establish a secondary tier prevention service in Plymouth for men with an enduring sexual attraction to children. This week we present our findings with recommendations about the recommended delivery model ‘HARP’.
Establishing New Pre-Release Programme and Through-the-Gate Circles at HMP Ashfield (Bristol)
We are excited to announce the establishment of a new pre-release programme and Through-The-Gate Circles at HMP Ashfield in partnership with Serco. This initiative aims to support people transitioning from prison back into the community, enabling them to safely integrate into their new environment.
Meeting with Home Office Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Unit
This week, we are pleased to be meeting with the Home Office Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Unit to discuss innovative approaches to preventing child sexual abuse, sharing our practice expertise in the secondary prevention space.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together and take a stand against sexual harm. At Circles South West, we are dedicated to creating safer communities and supporting those affected by sexual abuse and violence. We invite you to join us in our efforts, whether by participating in our events, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the importance of this awareness week.
Together, we can make a difference.
