About Us
STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers, free of charge support to anyone of any age or gender, who has a residential Dorset postcode and has experienced any form of sexual abuse in their lives.
We believe that every journey is unique.
That’s why we take a personalised, client led approach; making sure your needs, your voice and your pace are at the heart of everything we do.
You are the focus of our work
We want you to be believed, valued and respected; always without judgement.
Trauma informed and empowering
Trauma looks different for everyone.
Our trauma informed approach recognises the many ways it can affect your life and is designed to support healing and empowerment, on your terms.
We work collaboratively, using a blend of therapeutic techniques to create tailored support that works for you
STARS Dorset provide different types of support, including:
Independent Sexual Violent Advisor (ISVA)
Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service provides practical and emotional support, information and guidance to anyone who resides in Dorset, has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life and wishes to explore what options they have available to them.
An ISVA is there to help the client make an informed decision when everything can feel confusing and out of control. We understand there can be a lot to deal with and our ISVA team is here to accompany, support and guide clients.
Our ISVAs are person centred and client led and will tailor support to individual needs, provide impartial information, ensure the safety of the survivor and any dependents, attend meetings and we can also help develop a support plan with the client to address risks and identify support that is needed.
Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors can explain options and help clients make an informed decision as to whether they want to report to the police. If the client chooses not to report after working with an ISVA, our ISVA team will ensure the client has a network of support in place before closing. If the client does decide to report, the ISVA will support the client throughout the whole process, for example: liaising with the police on their behalf, keeping the client informed about case progress and providing support before, during and after court.
Our ISVAs provide a confidential space for clients however, if there is an immediate risk of harm, our safeguarding policies will need to be implemented.
If you would like to discuss the role of an ISVA any further before making a referral, please give the office a call on 01202 308840 and ask to speak with one of the ISVAs who would be more than happy to answer your questions.
Counselling Services
Counselling Services
Our Counselling Service is accredited by the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy), which recognises our commitment to delivering safe, ethical, and professional support.
We provide one-to-one, person-centred, trauma-informed counselling for anyone affected by sexual trauma, guided by Judith Herman’s 3-stage trauma model.
A Safe & Confidential Space
Counselling sessions are held in person at our welcoming centres in Poundbury, Dorchester and Poole.
We aim to create a space where you feel heard, and supported as you explore your thoughts and feelings.
Qualified, Compassionate Counsellors
Our counselling team is:
DBS checked
Either professionally qualified or currently training at Level 4 Diploma or higher
Trained by us, in trauma-informed practice and understanding the impacts of sexual trauma
Working in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework (2018)
All counsellors receive regular clinical supervision and complete a minimum amount of ongoing training each year to support their professional development. This training is monitored and in line with professional membership standards.
Specialist Trauma Training
The ‘Working with Complex Trauma’ training we provide is CPCAB-endorsed to ensure our counsellors are well-equipped to support each client’s unique needs.
Learn more here: CPCAB Continuing Professional Development
The Client Support Services Team
Before you come into any service at STARS Dorset you will be contacted by our Client Support Services Team. This team is here to ensure that we are the right service at the right time for you.
Staff in this team are able to act as a first contact for you with any questions and queries you might have. They will attempt contact with you via telephone and also email.
This team is also here to signpost you to any other support that might be of use to you.
Group Work
Every adult will be offered various courses, whilst they are waiting for STARS Dorset support. These courses will not be an alternative to 1-2-1 Counselling, but will be an additional resource on offer to you. STARS Dorset run Art Groups, Psycho-Education Groups, the Worth programme and Peer Support Groups across both our Poole and Dorchester sites.
We are also able to sign post to groups in your area that may be able to support you during your wait.
Children and Young People Service (CYP ISVA)
Children and Young People Service
At STARS Dorset, we provide dedicated Counselling and a specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service specifically for Children and Young People (CYP) in Dorset who have experienced sexual violence.
The Children and Young People ISVA’s provide impartial information to the young person, their families or carers about their options. These specialist ISVA’s can liaise with schools and other agencies on the young person’s behalf and can accompany them to appointments and meetings. They can help them come to terms with their experience, understand their emotions, build their confidence and help them on their road to recovery.
The Children and Young People Counselling Service provides a safe and confidential environment for ages 8 years and upwards where a young person can talk about their feelings and the impact of their experience. They can help explore and address thoughts and behaviours that are overwhelming. All our Children and Young Persons counsellors have been specifically trained to work with children.
Our Children and Young People Service is a confidential service. However, if the counsellor or the ISVA feels that someone under the age of 18 is at risk of serious harm or abuse or that they are in danger, we will have to pass on their information to other agencies as per the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership Policies and Procedures.
To make a referral into our Children and Young People Service please head to our Make A Referral Page on the website and complete the online referral form.
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
Engagement Team
Our Engagement Team offer enhanced support package that include education, training and preventative initiatives across BCP and Dorset.
Look out for them in your communities’ offering activities, workshops and safe spaces for people to come and talk to us about all things sex, consent and relationships.
Vision, Mission and Aims
Vision
Mission
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
Determination
we never give up seeking creative ways to solve tough problems.
Excellence
we strive to be the best we possibly can, valuing feedback and investing in training our people to reach their full potential.
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.
Integrity
we hold ourselves accountable by being honest, relevant and objective.
Supportive
we prioritise and promote a compassionate, respectful and inclusive environment for all.
Our Journey: Supporting Survivors Since 1988
1986 – Recognising the Need
Bournemouth Youth Service and Bournemouth Voluntary Services identified a critical gap in support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. A dedicated steering group was formed to address this urgent issue.
1988 – A Lifeline is Born
East Dorset Rape Crisis Helpline was officially established, providing a safe and confidential space for survivors to seek help.
1990s – Expanding Our Reach
As the need for support grew, the service expanded to cover the entire county and became known as Dorset Rape Crisis Line.
2011 – A New Chapter Begins
With the support of The Survivors Trust, Dorset Rape Crisis Line secured three years of funding from the Ministry of Justice, leading to the creation of the Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre.
August 2011 – Our first Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service launched, providing specialist support to survivors.
2019 – Becoming STARS Dorset
March 18, 2019 – Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and rebranded as Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services – Dorset Rape Crisis (STARS Dorset).
Today – A Growing Support Network
STARS Dorset has evolved into a vital lifeline, offering free, confidential support to anyone in Dorset, regardless of age, gender, or when the trauma occurred.
Our Team: 40+ full-time staff & 80+ dedicated volunteers.
Our Services:
ISVA Services – For adults, children & young people.
Counselling – Specialist trauma-informed therapy.
Welcome & Engagement Teams – Supporting survivors from first contact.
Group Work – Building strength through community support
Our mission remains the same – to provide hope, healing, and support to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Vacancies
