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New van to help charity reduce sexual violence in rural Dorset
The branded van will help STARS Dorset reach out to rural communities and raise awareness of the support available.

A charity that supports victims of sexual abuse and violence has launched a new branded van to help it reach out to rural communities.
STARS Dorset’s new van was funded by Dorset Council’s Community Safety Partnership. It will enable the charity’s engagement team to attend events across the area and raise awareness about sexual violence support services.
STARS Dorset offers specialist support to individuals affected by sexual violence. 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.
The new van debuted at the Poundbury Summer Festival on 8 June, 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.
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 the charity and its services, or how you can support the charity through volunteering, visit www.starsdorset.org, email info@starsdorset.org, or call 01202 308840.
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