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Self injury Support is a charity that has over 30 years’ experience in offering support around self-harm. Their vision is that anyone who uses self-injury knows they are not alone; that everyone understands that self-injury is a complex and important issue we should all care about; and that together we tackle both the causes and stigma of self-injury. Read more
When we experience anything that activates our primitive survival system (Flight/Flight/Freeze or Flop) our logical thinking switches off, an appropriate response to something that is potentially life threatening, whether real or perceived. Yet, our response (flight/fight/freeze or flop) often leaves a feeling of anger, shame or ‘stupidity’ because we didn’t react how we thought we should and can also impair our memory. Read about it in this blog. Read more
Please note all our blogs are very kindly written by supporters of the charity and they do not always represent the views of STARS Dorset but we hope they are informative and promote discussion around issues pertaining to the work we do.
The abuse of older people (also referred to as elder abuse) is an issue that all societies and governments across the world need to acknowledge and tackle in a proactive way. Read more
Written by Ben Kaye, YP and families recovery worker, Chemsex and LGBTQ+ lead for We Are With You - Bournemouth. A blog focussing on Chemsex and Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence, helping to hopefully lift the lid on the once taboo subject...' Read more
In this blog by Jessica Smythe, MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology, we look at rape myths, the stereotyped and false beliefs about sexual assaults, rapists and rape victims which often serve to excuse sexual violence, create hostility toward victims and can lead to bias in criminal prosecution. Read more
In this blog by Alison Woodward, Clinical Supervisor at STARS Dorset, we look at How the Brain Works in Response to a Traumatic Event. The 5 Fs, Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flop and Friend. Read more
In this blog by Ellie Rowe, MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology student at Bournemouth University, we look at Victim Blaming. Victim blaming often involves false beliefs or thoughts that attempt to shift the blame from the perpetrator of the crime to the victim Read more
Details about The Shores, Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), who support victims of Rape and Sexual Assault. Their team consists of professionally qualified Doctors, Midwives, Nurses and Crisis Workers. A pan Dorset service based in central Bournemouth. Read more here. Read more
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) is a free, fast, emergency injunction service for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence. Our service allows anyone who has recently been threatened or subjected to domestic abuse to apply for an emergency court injunction. Read more
Ever wondered what an ISVA is? Here one of our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), Sarah, talks about her role at STARS Dorset. Read more
The problematic use of past sexual history as evidence in rape trials by Kez Bhola-Dare, 2ND Year Law Student, Bournemouth University, and Jamie Fletcher, Lecturer in Law, Bournemouth University. Whilst there are a range of sexual assault myths that can influence rape trials, this blog focuses on the myth that a women’s sexual history is an indicator of consent to the act in question. Read more
Dating apps are becoming increasingly popular and have promoted a new way of socialising. As well, research has revealed that dating app users report lower levels of sexual consent and higher levels of sexual coercion. Read more