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

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Our Consentric Circle conversations are guided conversations held in circle that bring together survivors of sexual and intimate violence. These vulnerable group discussions inspire curious, empathetic dialogue and integrate mindfulness & somatic techniques, art, writing, reflection, and play.

 

These intentionally configured conversations can also bring together allies, family, partners, mentors, supportive community members, and decision-makers for transformative discussions around sexual violence and intimate harm.

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In some instances, when requested and determined to be appropriate, we thoughtfully coordinate processes that bring together someone who's been harm and the the person(s) who caused harm. These processes are voluntary and designed around the needs, boundaries, and agency of the person harmed. Learn more about this pathway and process here. 

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Consentric Circles are about learning [unlearning], healing, and reimagining justice.

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Through intimate connection and conversation, we collaboratively make meaning of our experiences with sexual and intimate harm and reimagine individual, community, and systemic solutions to preventing harm. We explore the simple, often overlooked questions about sexual and intimate violence, while defining what healing and justice look like for each unique survivor. We explore the individual and collective impacts of that trauma, identify patterns between experiences, dismantle the myths we’ve internalized, and reimagine the course of healing with creative community action and systemic solutions. When we name where our communities and systems have failed us, we can collectively reimagine and build new systems that do better by survivors and their communities. ​We do this while learning how to integrate healing-centered practices that honor ourselves and our experiences and take care of our heads, hearts, and bodies.

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Consentric Circles meet people where they are and are responsive to the needs of participants.

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Conversations are held in person, online, or as a hybrid and may take place over multiple, ongoing sessions (long form) or be held in a single day (short form). In addition to a Consentric Circles facilitator, conversations may include a community partner facilitator and a well-being advocate. These learning and healing conversations are scaffolded with resources for continued support, discussion, and learning.​​​​​​

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Consentric Circles provide an additional, community-based pathway for connection, healing, and support, and one that does not require survivors to report an assault, participate in the criminal legal system, or enter a clinical setting to access meaningful, community-led care.

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Our work centers relationship-building, thoughtful inquiry, and deep listening to understand the unique needs of survivors, with particular attention to people experiencing multiple forms of marginalization or limited access to resources. By creating spaces where survivors and allies can build connection, share wisdom, and shape conversations about healing and justice, Consentric Circles help ensure that people who are often furthest from traditional resources, but closest to the problems, have a pathway to support, community, and belonging.

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Consentric Circles aren't your average support group. These conversations offer a different way of connecting, deepening relationships, and understanding who holds knowledge about harm, healing, justice, and prevention—and what becomes possible when survivors are not only centered, but lead the way.

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We believe innovation and change happen when we make space for those most impacted to generate knowledge, challenge assumptions, imagine new possibilities, and help shape the systems and responses that can profoundly affect lives.

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