Other sources of help

The Shores is Dorset's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and is contactable 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 01202 552056
Website: www.the-shores.org.uk

The Samaritans provide a 24 hour telephone service and are there to help with whatever you might be going through.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org

Childline is available to anyone under the age of 19 and there to listen anytime, day or night.
Telephone: 0800 123
Website: www.childline.org.uk

Survivors UK supports male rape and sexual abuse survivors. They have a web chat support service which is open Monday - Friday 10.30am - 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Website: www.survivorsuk.org

The Survivors Trust supports all survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They have a helpline service which is open, Mon - Fri 10am-8:30pm
Sat 10am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm, 6pm-8:30pm
Sun 1:30pm-4:30pm, 6pm-8:30pm.
Telephone: 08088 010818
Website: www.thesurvivorstrust.org

Galop gives advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Their LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline number is 0800 999 5428.

Website: www.galop.org.uk

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