SLEEC
Survivors Leading Essential Education & Change – known as SLEEC – was set up by survivors of rape, sexual violence and domestic violence to support survivors and those with lived experience of harm and trauma, but also to tackle the root causes of male violence and rape culture. It is based in Bristol but works on a national basis. Its work with survivors includes aiming to challenge the narrative around sexual violence and domestic abuse and how survivors are seen and treated. It provides a space for survivors to meet and talk, running a twice-monthly survivor group.
In June 2024, SLEEC was offered funding of £6,020 from the Allen Lane Foundation. The grant is towards work with men, working to end male violence and misogyny. It offers courses for men, aimed at creating a ‘deeper understanding of the impact of their behaviour, where that harm comes from and exploring ways in which true accountability can be practised and sustained’. The grant will create a series of training resources to be used to train and support staff and volunteering working in prisons and with ex-offenders. A pilot project will involve 15 men, focussing on behaviour, attitudes and experiences that impact their actions and choices. SLEEC then aims to reach eleven prisons in the South West with this resource over the coming year. Intended outcomes are reduced harm and violence in communities; for those incarcerated that they will feel less isolation, stigmatised and more integrated into their communities; and to change the culture around prevention and harm reduction work.
