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  1. Who we are

Our history

In 1986 Bournemouth Youth Service together with Bournemouth Voluntary Services recognised the need for a support service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse . A steering group emerged from this meeting and East Dorset Rape Crisis Helpline was founded in 1988. In the 1990s the name was changed to Dorset Rape Crisis Line to reflect that the service covered the whole county.

In 2011 with the support of The Survivors Trust Dorset Rape Crisis Line successfully bid for three years funding from the Ministry of Justice to set up Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre. In August 2011 the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service began with a single part time  Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.

On March 18th 2019 Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and changed its name to Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services - Dorset Rape Crisis (STARS).

STARS Dorset 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 or sexual violence at any time in their lives. 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. 

Published: 4th March, 2019

Updated: 17th May, 2019

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Latest

  • Steps for STARS

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    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.
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  • Locked Up for Killing Your Abuser. Why the Law Does Nothing to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims who Protect Themselves ‘Too Far’.

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  • Contact Us

    Contact Us

    Our contact details, how to get in touch.

  • The lies rape myths tell us and why we have to dispel them

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    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.

  • Jobs

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    STARS Dorset are looking for a Full Time Independent Sexual Violence Advisor for Male Clients a Finance Officer and a Children and Young People Support Worker

  • The problematic use of past sexual history as evidence in rape trials

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  • Counselling Service

    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.

  • Need support?

    Need support?

    If you've been affected by some form of sexual violence at any time in your life STARS Dorset can help. You can access emotional support such as our counselling service or practical support from our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service. Fill in our online referral form and email it through to us or call us on 01202 308 840 and one of our team can talk through what support we can offer you and how you can access it.

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Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service - Dorset Rape Crisis
Charity Registration No: 1178308 
Organisational member of BACP
Organisational member of IOF
Member of TST

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