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]

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Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
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.
Jade’s Fire Walk

I will be walking on fire to raise money for STARS DORSET, a local charity to help support victims of Sexual Trauma
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.
Working with Dissociation and DID with Philippa Dryland CPD Event

CPD Workshop 'Working with Dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in Survivors of Complex Early Life Trauma and Abuse with Philippa Dryland on Wednesday 6th May at the Life Centre in Bournemouth.
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.
Make a referral

Those wishing to access any of our services can either ask a professional they already receive support from to refer on their behalf or make a self-referral.
The STARS Dorset Consent Team

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