STARS Dorset Launches Van to Reach Rural Communities and Reduce Sexual Violence.
STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity offering specialist support to individuals who are affected by sexual violence. The charity have recently launched a mobile service, to reach the communities in more rural areas of Dorset that need help. The van, complete with STARS branding, is a key part of STARS Dorset’s mission to reduce sexual violence across the county by increasing awareness, encouraging disclosures, and connecting people to essential services.
The importance of this new van can not be understated, as it will allow STARS to bring its services directly into Dorset’s rural communities – areas where access to specialist support is often limited. By taking their message and services on the road, the charity aims to break down these barriers to support, as well as reduce stigma and isolation, and encourage conversations around the issue of sexual violence.
Dorset Council’s Community Safety Partnership funded the new van, which will enable the charity’s engagement team to attend numerous community events across the Dorset Council area over the coming months, and raise awareness about sexual violence support services.
The new van had its official debut at the Poundbury Summer Festival on the 8th June, held at The Great Field. The family-friendly festival was celebrating the local community, and provided a fitting platform to launch this important outreach initiative.
Helen Stevens, CEO of STARS Dorset, said, “We’re looking to create a legacy by becoming more mobile and maintaining a visible and consistent presence in rural communities across Dorset. Many of these areas lack regular access to specialist services, and we want to change that.
“We want to start conversations and hope that by being more present in rural communities, we can help people understand what support is available, so if they encounter sexual violence in any part of their community—whether in a sports club, school, church, or workplace—they know how to respond and where to turn for support.”
Engagement Team Leader, Stephanie Lee added, “Rural communities can be close-knit, and those searching for support often face isolation. We want to be as accessible as possible and meet people where they are, ensuring there are clear pathways to support.”
For more information about STARS Dorset and their services, or how you can support the charity through volunteering, please visit www.starsdorset.org, email info@starsdorset.org, or call 01202 308840.