A charity is on the lookout for volunteers to help stop sex offenders from reoffending. Circles South West offers individuals a safe space to meet a small group of volunteers who know about their offence, and gain support, confidence, and skills to help reduce their risk of reoffending and safely integrate into the local community.
The charity is calling for extra volunteers to join its rank. It comes as there has been a rise in reports of sexual offences in Devon and Cornwall in the last 12 months. According to figures from Devon and Cornwall Police, 5,675 sexual offences were recorded in the force area, a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous last year (4,742).
In 2020-21, the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service said there were 2,609 registered sex offenders in Devon and Cornwall. As of March 31, 2021, the national figure was 64,325. The latest national reoffending figures from April to June 2021 show that 11 per cent of adults who committed a sexual offence reoffended, and 8.9 per cent of juveniles.
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Circles South West’s senior coordinator John Wiseman said the aim of the scheme was to see that figure drop dramatically by holding individuals identified as most at risk of reoffending – known as core members – to account for their behaviour and the harm they have caused.
He said that while the work it does might be seen as challenging, it can be a deeply satisfying way to contribute to creating safer communities.
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“People often ask why we would want to improve the lives of people who have committed such awful offences,” he said. “For us, it’s not about the convicted individual, it’s about helping to ensure that no more people come to sexual harm as a result of their actions.
“We believe working in circles of support and accountability is the best way to achieve this, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. It’s not an easy thing for them to do and that is why we are so grateful to each and every one of them for giving up their precious time to help prevent potential victims.”
Volunteers must be over 18 but otherwise can be of any age or walk of life and will play a key role in the process of supporting an individual offender, known as a core member, by forming a Circle of Support and Accountability.
Each circle meets weekly to help core members safely reintegrate into society by challenging distorted thinking and improving communication, as many will suffer from social isolation, emotional loneliness and limited social skills, factors that can increase the risk of reoffending.
As part of the scheme, the convicted sex offenders are encouraged to take up safe hobbies and work opportunities and learn how to manage the risk they present. The project, funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez since 2015, involves face-to-face meetings in a relaxed but risk-assessed environment overseen by a circle coordinator who is a criminal justice professional.
Ms Hernandez said: “Helping sex offenders reintegrate into society might be seen by some as controversial, but the reality is more than one in 10 reoffended in three months of 2021, so anything that can be done to support these people to take responsibility for their actions and understand the harm they have caused must be welcomed.
“One victim of sexual abuse is too many; the consequences for survivors are life-changing and long-lasting. I would like to thank all those who give their time to help Circles South West keep communities safe from sexual harm and encourage anyone keen to really make a difference to sign up today.”
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If you have experienced sexual harm, whether a crime has been reported or not, you can access 24-hour support at or by calling Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111.
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