About Us
STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers free, confidential 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.
Vision, Mission and Aims
Vision
A society free from abuse.
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.
Opportunities
If you are interested in seeing what vacancies we currently have, please click ‘Learn More’ to take you to our jobs page.
Please remember when applying for any of our vacancies, you should read our Privacy Notice and then download both the Application Form and Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form, which both then need to be completed & returned to jobs@starsdorset.org