STARS Dorset Launches Branded Van to Reach Rural Communities and reduce Sexual Violence
STARS Dorset has launched a new branded van to support its campaign to reduce sexual violence and raise awareness of the support available to those affected. The van, funded by Dorset Council’s Community Safety Partnership, 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.
STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity offering specialist support to individuals affected by sexual violence. The new van had its official debut at the Poundbury Summer Festival on June 8th, held at The Great Field. The festival was a family-friendly event celebrating the local community and provided a fitting platform to launch this important outreach initiative.
The van will allow STARS Dorset 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 barriers to support, reduce stigma, reduce isolation, encourage conversations around the issue of sexual violence and increase awareness about available services.
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.”
The van 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.
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.