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

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