The CoSA Ottawa Documentary
Building Safer Communities Through Support & Accountability
In 2024, we premiered our powerful documentary sharing the work of CoSA Ottawa — and the impact continues.
This film offers a rare and thoughtful look at how community-based reintegration works for people returning to society after serving sentences for sexual offences. It challenges assumptions, reduces stigma, and highlights what truly makes communities safer.
Whether you joined us for the launch or are discovering it for the first time, we invite you to watch, share, and start the conversation.
About the Film
This documentary explores the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) model — an evidence-informed approach that combines community volunteers with professional guidance to support individuals at high risk of reoffending.
Through interviews, real stories, and community perspectives, the film demonstrates:
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How isolation and stigma increase risk
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How structured support and accountability reduce harm
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The courage of volunteers who step forward to build safer communities
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Why prevention is everyone’s responsibility
CoSA has been shown to reduce reoffending by up to 88%, making it one of the most effective community-based reintegration models available.
Why This Matters
Individuals convicted of sexual offences are among the most stigmatized and isolated people returning to the community. Isolation increases risk. Connection reduces it.
CoSA offers both:
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Support — practical assistance, pro-social relationships, and community connection
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Accountability — clear boundaries, transparency, and collaboration with community partners
The documentary helps audiences understand that prevention is possible — and that safer communities are built through engagement, not exclusion.
Host a Screening
We are currently booking community, campus, faith group, and organizational screenings.
Hosting a screening is a powerful way to:
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Spark informed conversation
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Reduce misinformation
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Highlight effective prevention strategies
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Engage new volunteers and supporters
Interested in hosting a screening?
Contact us at director@cosa-ottawa.ca.
Watch the Trailer
Experience a preview of the film and hear directly from those involved in this life-changing work.
Support the Work
The documentary is more than a film — it’s a tool for awareness, prevention, and community engagement.
You can help by:
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Sharing the film
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Hosting a screening
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Becoming a volunteer
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Making a donation
Together, we can build safer communities through support and accountability.