What we do

STARS 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. We provide several different types of support including an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service, Counselling, a Children and Young People's Service and a Support Line.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service: this service provides practical and emotional support, information and guidance to those in Dorset who have experienced any form of sexual violence. Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors are here to help clients make an informed decision about their options when everything can feel confusing and out of control.

Counselling Service

Counselling Service: this service provides one to one trauma informed counselling, for anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence in their life. We operate a person-centred counselling approach combined with a trauma model. We create a safe and confidential space allowing the client to explore and address thoughts and behaviours that are overwhelming.

Children and Young People Service

Children and Young People Service: we also provide dedicated counselling and a specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service specifically for children and young people. We provide impartial advice to the young person, their families or carers about their options and a safe space where they can talk about their feelings and the impact of their experience.

Support Line Service

Support Line Service: our Support Line service provides a confidential , non-judgemental listening service to anyone over 16 who has been affected by any form of sexual violence. All our Support Line volunteers are fully trained and will listen in complete confidence no matter how big or small a problem may seem. The Support Line number is 01202 308855.

Vision:

A society free from abuse.

Mission:

Where every survivor of abuse is supported on their journey of recovery and to challenge societal attitudes and views that condone or collude with abuse through awareness, education and training.

Aims:

We will offer specialised services to relieve the suffering and impact of trauma to anyone affected by abuse, in particular sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.
We will raise awareness of the impact of trauma, rape, sexual violence and domestic abuse in the general public and widen the discussion around consent.
We will work with organisations, including schools, colleges and universities, to provide education and targeted campaigns on a range of issues, such as consent, sexual violence and abuse.
We will work at a local, regional and national level (and in partnership with like-minded organisations) to improve outcomes for survivors of abuse, in particular sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.
We will be recognised as a centre of excellence for our training and for our knowledge, experience and expertise in supporting those affected by trauma/abuse.
We will campaign to challenge societal attitudes, stigmas, myths and taboos.

Values:

Supportive - we prioritise and promote a compassionate, respectful and inclusive environment for all.
Determination - we never give up seeking creative ways to solve tough problems.
Innovative - we are passionate about what we do, and we challenge the perception of what’s possible in order to better meet the needs of our organisation, our clients and our people.
Excellence - we strive to be the best we possibly can, valuing feedback and investing in training our people to reach their full potential.
Integrity - we hold ourselves accountable by being honest, relevant and objective.

STARS Dorset does not work with anyone who has perpetrated sexual violence, for those who are looking for support please head to the following charities: Circles South West and Stop It Now.

Please do contact us for any information you require about the service and if you are wanting to see any of our policies or provide any feedback please contact us. Feedback forms for individual services can be found on their pages in the 'Get Help' section.

forms for individual services can be found on their pages in the 'Get Help' section.

Latest

Our trustees
Police Experience Survey - Operation Bluestone Soteria

Operation Bluestone Soteria is inviting victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault to take part in an anonymous survey about your experience with the police.
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme: the Right to Ask and the Right to Know

Lucy Hale, a detective with Dorset Police, writes about Clare's Law; a tool that helps individuals make informed decisions about continuing a relationship by enquiring about a person's past history of domestic abuse.
Here's How the Story (Never) Ends

Gary Pleece, from the Male Survivors Partnership, writes about the importance of research in transforming support for men and boys affected by sexual violence.

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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jobs

STARS Dorset are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and a Volunteer and Community Engagement Officer.
Get help
Who we are
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.