Our patron

We are very proud to have been advisors to the third series of the popular ITV drama Broadchurch which screened in Spring 2017. Our staff liaised with Chris Chibnall, the writer, and the production company. From this, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Trish Winterman, kindly agreed to be our first patron and we are delighted to have her support.

'I am very proud to be Patron of STARS Dorset, having seen at close quarters the important work they do in incredibly challenging circumstances. The help they gave me whilst researching my role as Trish in the third series of Broadchurch was priceless, I couldn't have done it without them, and what I learned had a profound effect on me.

The overwhelming numbers of women coming forward to report serious sexual assaults and rapes is staggering, and this stretched and underfunded vital service is working miracles in terms of providing immediate and long term support of survivors, of all ages and from all social groups, many of whom have literally nowhere else to turn.'

Broadchurch won Best Crime Drama of 2017 at the National Television Awards in January 2018 and we were very proud to have been mentioned in the acceptance speech by Jodie Whittaker.

'And a special thanks to the extraordinary women at Dorset Rape Crisis and Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre who inspired this story by sharing their experience and expertise. We'd like to dedicate this award to all the survivors of sexual assault and all those brilliant people nationwide who support them.'

Latest

Sam and Sara Skydive

To support a worthwhile charity at a time of increased need due to the current social climate.
The Missing Link - Training with Miriam Taylor

The Missing Link: Neuroscience research has shown that we cannot work with trauma without working with the body, but few of us are trained in body process. This one day workshop covers theory and practical techniques for including the body in trauma therapy, based in neuroscience. Miriam Taylor, a Gestalt therapist, supervisor, international trainer and author, will guide the day.
Star Jump for STARS Dorset

STARS Dorset is asking everyone across Dorset to fundraise for them by doing as many STAR JUMPS as they can in one minute or if they’re wanting to take on the extra challenge, five minutes, on Friday 28th May 2021.
James' 15,000ft Charity Sky Dive For STARS Dorset

I'm raising money for STARS Dorset to help support this incredible charity and the various services it provides. STARS fulfil an outstanding role, in Dorset, by assisting individuals who have experienced any form of sexual violence, within their lives. Indeed, it is because of all this and so much more that I have decided to help fundraise for this brilliant cause.

What is an ISVA?

Ever wondered what an ISVA is? Here one of our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), Sarah, talks about her role at STARS Dorset.
Victoria's Volunteering Story

This week is Volunteers Week and throughout the week we will be releasing a series of blogs from our volunteers, past and present, about their different volunteering roles. This is Victoria's story.
Moving from Self-Loathing to Self-Love

A beautiful reflective piece by one of our Wellbeing Workshop leaders, Rachel Wilkinson. Rachel is a MARK (Minded Addictions Recover Kit) therapist and founder of CYC Community Yoga Collective a Dorset project making wellbeing accessible to all.
STARS Dorset Receives Funding to Help Children and Adults Affected by Domestic Abuse

STARS Dorset has received funding from both BBC Children in Need and the National Lottery to expand its services in order to help support both children and adults who have been affected by domestic abuse.
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.
STARS Dorset Receives Seven Year Contract to Continue its support of Sexual Violence Survivors across Dorset

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset) has been awarded a seven year contract to continue to provide its much needed Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service across the county.
Colette's Volunteering Story

This week is Volunteers Week and throughout the week we will be releasing a series of blogs from our volunteers, past and present, about their different volunteering roles. This is Colette's story.
Alex's Volunteering Story

Everyday this week, Volunteer Week 2020, we are sharing a volunteering story, today's is Alex's. Alex began as an Events Volunteer, then become a Support Line Listener and is now Vice Chair of the Trustees.
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Compassion in a Cold Climate

For many COVID-19 has ignited flames of anxiety- for those who already struggle with their mental health, it has poured fuel on the fire. Anxiety is a normal human response to adverse situations.