Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service is free and confidential. It provides practical and emotional support, information and guidance to anyone who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life.

An ISVA is there to help the client make an informed decision when everything can feel confusing and out of control. We understand there can be a lot to deal with an or ISVA team is here to accompany, support and guide clients.

We will tailor support to individual needs, provide impartial information, ensure the safety of the survivor and any dependents, attend meetings and we can also help develop a support plan with the client to address risks and identify support that is needed.

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors can explain options and help clients make an informed decision as to whether they want to report to the police. If the client does not want to report our ISVA team will continue to support the client. If the client does decide to report they will support the client throughout the whole process, for example: during their witness statement, liaising with the police on their behalf, keeping the client informed about case progress and providing support before, during and after court.

Our ISVAs can also help clients make informed decisions about options and access support from other agencies, such as:

The Shores, Dorset's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Social Services
Counselling
Mental Health Services
Sexual Health Services
Housing Providers
Benefits
Drugs and Alcohol Services
Probation
Or any other agencies the client is working with or may need to work with

To make a referral or to find out more information about our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service please either call 01202 308858 or email [email protected]

Latest

STARS Dorset Increases its Telephone Support Line During COVID-19

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset), is increasing the availability of its Telephone Support Line throughout the COVID-19 period.
STARS COVID-19 Update

STARS Dorset are continuing to provide their vital services throughout COVID-19. We are increasing the hours of our Telephone Support Line throughout this period and both our Counselling and ISVA service will continue to support clients.
STARS ISVA Service (COVID-19)

Information on how STARS Dorset Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service will be working throughout the COVID-19 period.
STARS Counselling Service (COVID-19)

Information on how STARS Dorset Counselling Service will be working throughout the COVID-19 period.

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.
'Asking For It' by Jayne Jackson

Jayne Jackson a MA Commercial Photography student from Arts University Bournemouth has created a fascinating photographic art series named ‘Asking for it’, which in a highly unique and clever way highlights victim blaming in cases of sexual violence. The exhibition which consists of 14 ‘mugshots’ will be on display at The Atrium Gallery at Bournemouth University from 7th May - 20th June 2020
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Support STARS

At STARS Dorset all our services are provided free of charge, one of the only ways this is possible is through donations. Every donation however small can help make a huge difference.
The STARS Dorset Consent Team

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..
What we do

STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, 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 any time in their lives.
Telephone Support Line number
Training

STARS Dorset offers a comprehensive range of training courses for those working with or supporting survivors of sexual violence. Our training has been developed from our knowledge and experience of providing a range of specialist support services for over thirty years. We offer both Employer Awareness Training and Professionals Training.
Jobs
Why volunteer

Our volunteers are essential to our work. We are always looking for men and women aged 18 or over to join our team and support us to deliver a quality service to our clients. We offer induction training and on-going support for all our volunteering roles.