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 call the team on 01202 308841 to speak with one of our ISVAs who would be more than happy to answer your questions.
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:
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
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.
Every adult will be offered various courses whilst they are waiting for STARS Dorset support. These courses will not be an alternative to one-to-one Counselling, but will be an additional resource on offer to you. STARS Dorset runs 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
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 ISVAs provide impartial information to the young person, their families or carers about their options. These specialist ISVAs 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.
Our Engagement Team offer enhanced support package that includes 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 about all things sex, consent and relationships.
We take confidentiality and safeguarding seriously. Our staff are able to talk to you about any safeguarding concerns. We will include you in any decisions that we need to make to keep you safe.
