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.

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.
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Sam’s Skydive

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