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.