School’s OUT UK founded LGBT+ History Month in February 2005, in the wake of, and in reaction to, the abolition of Section 28 and it has been celebrated annually since then. Read the blog to find out more about the month Read more
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
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
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
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.
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
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
In this blog by Simone Gosden, Volunteer Co-ordinator for STARS Dorset, we look at the work our Consent Team does across Dorset and the issues of consent.. Read more
For many COVID-19 has ignited flames of anxiety- for those who already struggle with their mental health, it has poured fuel on the fire. Anxiety is a normal human response to adverse situations. Read more
Looking at the longer-term psychological impact of this world wide pandemic on our mental wellbeing by Trauma Therapist, Philippa Dryland. Read more
Chiropractor, Dr Lyana Nepia DC talks about Diaphragm breathing and how it stimulates the calm, rest and repair side of our nervous system. Read more
A beautiful reflective piece by one of our Wellbeing Workshop leaders, Rachel Wilkinson. Rachel is a MARK (Minded Addictions Recover Kit) therapist and founder of CYC Community Yoga Collective a Dorset project making wellbeing accessible to all. Read more
By Chris Finn, Mindfulness Teacher, Psychotherapist & Wellbeing at Work Trainer, (www.poolemindfulness.co.uk) Read more
by Jessica Smythe, MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology and STARS Volunteer Read more
This week is Volunteers Week and throughout the week we will be releasing a series of blogs from our volunteers, past and present, about their different volunteering roles. This is Victoria's story. Read more