Consentric Circles are about connection, validation, and innovation.​ ​​​

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Our Consentric Circle conversations are conversations held in circle that bring together survivors of sexual and intimate violence. These carefully configured conversations can also bring together allies, family, mentors, partners, supportive community members, and decision-makers for transformative discussions around sexual violence and intimate harm. In some cases, we thoughtfully and intentionally coordinate conversations to include survivors and persons who have committed harm. These vulnerable group discussions integrate dialogue, mindfulness & somatic techniques, writing, and reflection.

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Consentric Circles are about learning, healing, and reimagining.

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Through intimate connection and conversation, we collaboratively make meaning of our traumatic experiences in the context of our community, and we design solutions to prevent it. We explore the simple, often overlooked questions about our experiences surviving intimate trauma, while defining what healing and justice look like for each unique survivor. We co-explore the impacts of our trauma, identify patterns between our survival experiences, dismantle the myths we’ve encountered and internalized, and reimagine the course of our healing with creative systemic solutions. When we address where the system failed us, we can collectively reimagine and build new systems that do better by survivors and their communities. ​

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Consentric Circles are co-created and customized to meet the needs of survivors and other participants.

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Healing Courage partners with others to envision and create opportunities for survivors, their communities, and those who have harmed. Held in person, online, or a hybrid, these conversations may take place over multiple, ongoing sessions, or be held in one day. In addition to a Consentric Circle facilitator, conversations often include a community partner facilitator and a well being advocate. These deep group acknowledgement and accountability opportunities are scaffolded with learning resources for continued support, discussion, and learning.​

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Change the conversation, transform the culture. 

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We believe that our collective liberation is grounded in our collective healing, and because the survivor is at the center of the harm, they should be centered at its resolution. We recognize that all people are capable of harm and healing, and that we are all responsible for cultivating a culture of support for survivors and a culture of consent and accountability for our communities and those who have harmed. 

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When our community bears witness to our pain, we experience healing validation, and our community experiences transformative understanding.​​

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