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 Counselling Team Wins Volunteer Group of the Year

Congratulations to our amazing Volunteer Counselling Team who were Awarded Volunteer Group of the Year 2019 by the Volunteer Centre Dorset . Thank you so much for all you do, you guys are amazing! Stars Dorset benefits from the support of over thirty incredible volunteer counsellors offering therapeutic support to our clients. If you would like to be part of our award winning team email [email protected] .
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2020

The UK's annual week dedicated to bringing together organisations and communities to promote awareness of sexual abuse & sexual violence.
Fire Walk at Highcliffe Castle

On the 29th Febraury 2020 join our team of Fire Walkers at Highcliffe Castle to raise vital funds to support our work across the county. Join the team as an indidual or come with a group for an amazing team bonding experience. For further information please contact Simone Gosden by email on [email protected]
AFC Bournemouth Donates £1000 to STARS Dorset Children and Young People Service

STARS Dorset are hugely grateful to have received £1000 from AFC Bournemouth’s half time Cherries Community Draw. The much needed funds will be spent specifically on the work the charity does with Children and Young People across the county.

Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
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.
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.
Helpline number
Jobs

We are growing and expanding across all of our services. To help sustain this growth in the long term we are seeking to appoint a Part-Time Administrator to help support our work in a new centre in West Dorset This is a newly created role which forms part of the overall development of the team at STARS Dorset Rape Crisis. The post is for 21hrs worked Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Clare’s Sky Dive for STARS

STARS Dorset is an incredible charity which offers support to survivors of sexual violence. Over 80 volunteers help provide this free service to anyone who needs individualised support to work through their trauma and rebuild their lives.
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.
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.
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.
Our history

In 1986 Bournemouth Youth Service together with Bournemouth Voluntary Services recognised the need for a support service for survivors or rape and sexual abuse. STARS Dorset now employs over twenty full time members of staff and has over eighty volunteers and its services include an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, a Counselling Service, a Children and Young People Service and a Helpline.