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

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.
Sky Diving Team raises £4500 for the charity

Our sky diving team raised £4500! The brave group of supporters took to the skies at Go Sky Dive in Salisbury and each one bravely jumped from 10,000ft and helped raise the fantastic total. The team, made up of the charity’s volunteers, counsellors, employees and those who have seen the great work the charity does, each had their own reasons for bravely jumping and the charity is hugely grateful.
Introduction on Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Sexual Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace

We are delighted to be joining Safe Space Consultancy and HR experts Peninsula for an introduction on domestic abuse, stalking, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace. This is a free event for local businesses, charities and representatives from the education and statutory sectors to attend and gain understanding of why we need to consider these issues in the workplace.
Gemma's Skydive!

I have worked for STARS Dorset for the last 7 years and work in an amazing team supporting children and adults who have experienced sexual trauma. I am doing this as a personal challenge and to raise money for an amazing charity so please donate what you can.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors

We are currently recruiting for two part-time Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), one for adults and one for children and young people. Job specification, how to apply and application form all below.
Sam’s Skydive

This seems to be an impassable opportunity to do something crazy for the benefit of the greater good!
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Recruiting Now for Volunteer Counsellors

STARS Dorset is currently recruiting for Volunteer Counsellors. All our volunteer counsellors must have completed or be completing at least a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent. For further information and an application form please email our Volunteer Co-ordinator [email protected]
Gemma's Skydive!

I have worked for STARS Dorset for the last 7 years and work in an amazing team supporting children and adults who have experienced sexual trauma. I am doing this as a personal challenge and to raise money for an amazing charity so please donate what you can.
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.
Please support Jax' Skydive for STARS

STARS is a fantastic local charity that is supporting so many people of all ages. As you know, I have my own children, and any child or adult who goes through this kind of trauma will need access to as much support as possible. STARS offers well needed support and every penny counts towards allowing them to keep their services available to local people.
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.
STARS Sky Diving Team 26th July 2019

STARS 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 thier lives. All our services are free so every penny donated goes to help provide these vital services.
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.