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 such as rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or domestic abuse at any time in their life. STARS Dorset provides several different types of support including an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service, a one to one Counselling service, a Children and Young People’s Service and a Support Line.
Last year the charity supported more than 1800 people in the county. This year it has continued to support anyone who has needed it, during the first lockdown it increased the hours of its Support Line and continued to offer support through its counselling service and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service both online and by the phone. From the 1st April this year until the 30th September the charity has supported 1033 adults and 272 children and young people across Dorset.
This year the charity has also launched two new projects, one is a 20-week counselling project specifically for anyone who has suffered from domestic abuse and the second project is to support children and young people across Dorset who have witnessed and experienced domestic abuse.
As with many charities this year the number of people that need support has increased yet the ability to fundraise in the community has decreased as has the amount of businesses who are able to offer donations and take part in challenge events which help raise vital funds for the charity’s work. STARS Dorset are therefore asking anyone who is able to donate or knows a business who might like to, to get in touch. Text Donations can be done via your phone, text ‘STARSDORSET” to 70085 to donate £3, or through their social media @starsdorset or via their website. The charity will also be organising a sponsored Firewalk next year and a chance to Sky Dive for them. If you would like to take part in either of these challenge events please either email info@starsdorset.org or call their office on 01202 308840. More information about the charity and the work they do can be found on their website www.starsdorset.org.
Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence and would like confidential advice and support in Dorset can call the STARS Support Line on 01202 308855 or visit www.starsdorset.org
