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 and our ISVA team is here to accompany, support and guide clients.

Our ISVAs are person centred and client led and 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].

All our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) have a recognised ISVA qualification, The Survivors Trust ISVA Practitioner Course or are working towards it under the supervision of the lead ISVA. If you would like to see any specific staff training certificates please email [email protected] with your request.

If you would like to provide feedback please feel free to fill in one of our ISVA Feedback Forms here.

Click here to read a blog from one of our ISVAs about her role at STARS.

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