Can Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse Change and Should We Even Try?

Interview by Mark Laynesmith (Anglican Chaplain, University of Reading) with Riana Taylor (Chief Executive Officer of Circles UK) and colleague, Heather.

Café Théologique is hosted by the University of Reading Chaplaincy and is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective.

In this interview Café Théologique explores the mission and inspiration behind the work of Circles UK to reduce sex offending through the creation of 'circles of support and accountability'. (For more information about Circles see the 2019 Sky News report, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Hdcz_fXQk, and their own website: https://circles-uk.org.uk/)

We live in a society where sexual abuse provokes powerful responses within communities. The successful rehabilitation and reintegration of a perpetrator of sexual abuse requires consideration of their own needs, the victim’s needs and those of the community.

Social isolation and emotional loneliness are key factors in increasing the risk of recidivism. Identifying suitable members of the public to monitor and support a Core Member (the perpetrator or service user) in the community has proved an extremely effective way of reducing this risk.

Circles has at its heart the aim to prevent further sexual abuse, working with the objective of no more victims.

Circles do this by:
- Helping a Core Member to reintegrate responsibly into the community.
- Acting as a support and safety mechanism for both Core Member and the community.
- Enhancing public safety when there is a perceived element of risk
Circles UK is a Ministry of Justice approved service provider and works in partnership with Police, Probation, local Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements and other professionals.

Видео Can Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse Change and Should We Even Try? канала University of Reading Chaplaincy