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 Helpline.

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.

Helpline Service

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

STARS Dorset does not work with anyone who has perpetrated sexual violence.

Latest

STARS COVID-19 Update

To follow are the current arrangements that STARS Dorset are putting in place to manage the impact of the Covid-19 virus and the services we provide.
STARS ISVA Service (COVID-19)

Information on how STARS Dorset Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service will be working throughout the COVID-19 period.
STARS Counselling Service (COVID-19)

Information on how STARS Dorset Counselling Service will be working throughout the COVID-19 period.
Telephone Support Line (COVID-19)

In response to government guidelines around social distancing STARS Dorset are adjusting the way we support clients. Therefore, from Monday 23rd March, we are increasing the availability of our Telephone Support Line (previously known as the Helpline). Our volunteers will be offering listening support to anyone who has been affected by sexual trauma.

Make a referral

Those wishing to access any of our services can either ask a professional they already receive support from to refer on their behalf or make a self-referral.
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.

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.
'Asking For It' by Jayne Jackson

Jayne Jackson a MA Commercial Photography student from Arts University Bournemouth has created a fascinating photographic art series named ‘Asking for it’, which in a highly unique and clever way highlights victim blaming in cases of sexual violence. The exhibition which consists of 14 ‘mugshots’ will be on display at The Atrium Gallery at Bournemouth University from 7th May - 20th June 2020
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
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.
The STARS Dorset Consent Team

In this blog by Simone Gosden, Volunteer Co-ordinator for STARS Dorset, we look at the work our Consent Team does across Dorset and the issues of consent..
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.
Why volunteer

Our volunteers are essential to our work. We are always looking for men and women aged 18 or over to join our team and support us to deliver a quality service to our clients. We offer induction training and on-going support for all our volunteering roles.
Telephone Support Line number
Training

STARS Dorset offers a comprehensive range of training courses for those working with or supporting survivors of sexual violence. Our training has been developed from our knowledge and experience of providing a range of specialist support services for over thirty years. We offer both Employer Awareness Training and Professionals Training.
Jobs