Circles App

It is estimated that more than 600,000 children are abused in the United States each year. At the James Stanfield Company, we believe that number — likely already a gross underestimation — is far too high. Our goal is to empower students with the skills they need to prevent abuse and finally start lowering those numbers.

That is where Circles: Stop Abusive Behavior comes in.

This comprehensive video-based program offers step-by-step lessons and strategies designed to help students ages 8 and up recognize and respond to threatening or potentially abusive situations. With real-life demonstrations and actionable advice, this program empowers your students to take action when they feel they might be exploited.

Developed by educators and healthcare professionals who understand the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, Circles: Stop Abusive Behavior uses the renowned Harvard-validated Circles paradigm — trusted in classrooms for over 40 years — to deliver quality, relatable content that meets students right where they are.

The program includes twelve narrated stories, each told from a student's perspective. In these stories, another person behaves in a way that the student feels is exploitative or abusive, providing a realistic context students can easily connect with.

Each story demonstrates a calm "stop" as the initial attempt to end the exploitative behavior. If that does not work, the student then initiates the "loud stop." Based on specific criteria, the student then demonstrates telling a safe adult about the abusive behavior.

This structured approach means your students will not only be aware of potential threats, but will also know exactly how to respond effectively to make them stop. The program includes a digital teacher's guide and printable handouts, and is available through a Circles subscription (99/yr) or Stanfield+ (99/yr).

Crafted by leading education and healthcare professionals, Circles: Stop Abusive Behavior uses real-life scenarios and evidence-based strategies to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. With 12 compelling video stories narrated by students, the program uses straightforward dialogue and modern, highly relatable examples to make it easier for students to absorb the information.

Recognizing Exploitation in Close Relationships

This section focuses on recognizing and reacting to exploitation that may occur in close relationships — those with romantic partners, dates, friends, and family members. Students learn to identify various forms of exploitative behavior in their personal relationships. For example, if a friend repeatedly pressures them to share personal information or engage in activities they are uncomfortable with, students learn to recognize this as a boundary violation.

The program teaches students to address inappropriate behavior calmly and assertively, as well as when and how to escalate their response if the exploitative behavior continues. Through video-modeled demonstrations, students see exactly what assertive responses look and sound like in practice.

Defending Against Abuse from Acquaintances and Strangers

Students also learn defensive techniques to safeguard against abusive actions from people outside their immediate circle. This section emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries with people they do not know well.

Students learn to recognize signs of inappropriate behavior — for example, if a stranger touches them without consent or invades their personal space. The program provides clear, step-by-step actions for students to take when they feel threatened.

Topics Covered Across the 12 Stories

The twelve video scenarios cover a wide range of abusive behaviors that students may encounter, including:

• Physical boundary violations — unwanted touching, grabbing, or hitting
• Emotional manipulation — guilt-tripping, threats, and coercive control
• Sexual exploitation — inappropriate requests, unwanted sexual contact
• Financial exploitation — taking money, pressuring for gifts or favors
• Verbal abuse — name-calling, intimidation, and demeaning language
• Digital boundary violations — pressuring students to share photos or personal information online

For each scenario, students practice the three-step response protocol: the calm stop, the loud stop, and telling a trusted adult. This consistent framework gives students a reliable, repeatable strategy they can use in any situation — building the kind of muscle memory that makes assertive responses feel natural rather than frightening.

The program's approach is grounded in the same Harvard-validated Circles paradigm that has been proven effective across 40 years of classroom use, ensuring that every strategy taught is both age-appropriate and evidence-based.

From close relationships to encounters with strangers, Circles: Stop Abusive Behavior covers a wide range of scenarios that give students a robust understanding of how to manage different types of abusive behavior. Whether it is dealing with a pushy friend, a manipulative family member, or an overbearing stranger, students will be well-prepared to handle complex social situations with confidence and composure.

After completing this program, your students will:

• Understand the importance of personal boundaries across different interpersonal contexts
• Recognize the early warning signs of exploitative and abusive behavior
• Respond calmly and assertively using the three-step stop protocol
• Know when and how to seek help from trusted adults
• Feel empowered rather than fearful about their ability to protect themselves

By understanding the subtle signs of exploitative behavior, students can take action before a situation escalates. They feel empowered to seek help from trusted adults when they encounter abusive behavior. The program presents every concept in a relatable, actionable way, giving students the opportunity to practice their responses in a safe, supportive environment.

Educators consistently report that students who complete this program show greater self-advocacy skills and increased willingness to report concerning behavior — outcomes supported by the 40 years of research behind the Circles paradigm. By choosing Circles: Stop Abusive Behavior, you are providing your students with invaluable tools and knowledge to protect themselves and others. Give the gift of safety — give your students the education they need to stop abuse in its tracks.