Sexual Trauma and the impact on Memory

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
Leicester University’s work on gender-based violence

A blog by the Wellbeing Officer and the Democracy and Campaigns Coordinator at Leicester Students' Union on what they have done to tackle gender based violence on campus. Read more
Neurodiversity in counselling

By Dr Shanti Shanker CPsychol. FHEA, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University & Trainee Counsellor Read more
Moving Towards an Agendered Perpetrator, Time For Change to the Sexual Offences Act 2003

Whilst the Sexual Offences Act 2003 modernised ‘rape’ through the introduction of an agendered victim, this blog written by a student and lecturers in Law from Bournemouth University, argues it is now time to introduce the agendered perpetrator. Read more

STARS Dorset Blogs

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.

Sexual Violence and Older Women

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

Chemsex and Male Survivors

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

The lies rape myths tell us and why we have to dispel them

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

How the Brain Works in Response to a Traumatic Event

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

Why do we victim blame?

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

The Shores. Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Clinic (SARC)

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

What is the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)?

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

What is an ISVA?

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

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

Green Flags vs Red Flags

We all know about red flags in relationships. Those little (or big) things that trigger our warning system and get the alarm lights flashing. But how much do you know about green flags? Read more

A Good Night Out

Since 2014, The Good Night Out Campaign has been on a mission for safer nightlife. They believe that nights out should be about fun and freedom, not fear and they work proactively to support re-education around sexual violence. Read more

Latest

Sexual Trauma and the impact on Memory

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.
Making a Referral
The Consent Tent

The STARS Dorset Consent Tent Team deliver activities designed to promote meaningful conversation around sexual consent. We attend music festivals, student and community events and engage with the public, through games, in a light-hearted and fun way. We want survivors of sexual trauma to know that they are not alone, that there are services available and that we stand with them.
Steps for STARS

As a sibling organisation but one from the NHS, called Steps2Wellbeing, which also offers psychological treatment to victims of trauma we have worked with Helen Stevens and STARS to make pathways and travel towards the best treatment smoother between us for several years.
Now we are really stepping out for STARS.. and into the sky for you!

Green Flags vs Red Flags

We all know about red flags in relationships. Those little (or big) things that trigger our warning system and get the alarm lights flashing. But how much do you know about green flags?
How the Brain Works in Response to a Traumatic Event

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.
Locked Up for Killing Your Abuser. Why the Law Does Nothing to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims who Protect Themselves ‘Too Far’.

We currently live in a country with laws which perceive domestic abuse victims as mentally ill or cold-blooded killers for killing their abuser after years of prolonged abuse.
Why do we victim blame?

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
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Jobs

STARS Dorset are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and a Volunteer and Community Engagement Officer.
The lies rape myths tell us and why we have to dispel them

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.
The problematic use of past sexual history as evidence in rape trials

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.
Counselling Service

STARS Counselling service provides one to one, trauma informed counselling, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at anytime in their life.
Who we are