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.

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