Survivors of abuse are being offered workplace training and job opportunities by a new government-funded venture called The Butterfly Effect.
It is opening later this month at the site of the St Malo Bistro on the Parade.
Led by Cheynene O'Connor, The Butterfly Effect Limited will own and operate the St Helier restaurant.
The government has provided £155,000 of funding.
The not-for-profit venture will provide abuse survivors with jobs, as well as being a place where they can get peer-support and advocacy assistance.
Cheyenne says: “We aim to help all survivors of sexual abuse, institutionalised abuse and families who past or present have fallen under Children’s Services to ensure they receive the best support by fully-trained trauma informed specialists including those with lived experience.
It’s clear that there’s a strong link between experiencing abuse or being in care and being at a higher risk of criminal behaviour."
The project will work with the prison on reducing reoffending and helping those who have spent time in jail reintegrate into society.
Prison governor Susie Richardson has described the investment as 'a significant commitment by Jersey to stopping this cycle of abuse'.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with Cheyenne and the team as they establish this resource.
We know that victims of abuse can go on to abuse and that those that are involved in abuse have often experienced it in their own childhoods. The more we can do to stop abuse and support the victims, the safer the Island will be and the investment in this scheme is a significant commitment by Jerseyto stopping this cycle of abuse.”
Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore has described it as a 'fantastic initiative' and says she hopes the public will support the service when it is up and running.
Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Young People, Education and Skills, says everyone involved in the project should be proud of what has been achieved:
"The launch of The Butterfly Effect and its symbolic meaning is a significant step for survivors. The butterfly symbol was created by the Citizen’s Panel, who were set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. The Panel said that the butterfly emblem, which is also used for Jersey Children’s Day, is a symbol of life, endurance, transformation and hope.”
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