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STARS is developing and growing it's support services and volunteer roles. If you are interested in applying for any of our volunteer positions please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01202 308848 or email [email protected]

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Police Experience Survey - Operation Bluestone Soteria

Operation Bluestone Soteria is inviting victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault to take part in an anonymous survey about your experience with the police.
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme: the Right to Ask and the Right to Know

Lucy Hale, a detective with Dorset Police, writes about Clare's Law; a tool that helps individuals make informed decisions about continuing a relationship by enquiring about a person's past history of domestic abuse.
Here's How the Story (Never) Ends

Gary Pleece, from the Male Survivors Partnership, writes about the importance of research in transforming support for men and boys affected by sexual violence.

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?
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.
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.
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
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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.
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STARS Dorset are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and a Volunteer and Community Engagement Officer.
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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.