Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion on child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual offending.

In this episode Edwina speaks to Riana Taylor, CEO of Circles UK, who are the national organisation which oversees Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles), an innovative model that uses groups of volunteers in the community, working alongside criminal justice agencies to reduce sexual offending. Riana explains that a Circle of Support and Accountability is a group of trained volunteers from a local community that provides a social network to someone who has committed sexual offences or engaged in harmful sexual behaviour, whilst also requiring them to take responsibility for their own ongoing risk management. The Circle can also provide practical guidance in things such as developing social skills and finding suitable accommodation. In so doing the Circle serves to reduce the risk of reoffending associated with social exclusion and the attendant risk of harm to existing and potential victims and survivors.

To learn more about the important work of Circles UK and the network of Circles Providers see: https://circles-uk.org.uk/

Follow Circles UK on Twitter: @CirclesUk

Read more about the One Small Thing charity here.

Twitter - @OSTCharity

This podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company. 

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