A CHARITY supporting children and adult victims of sexual violence has been awarded a contract worth £1.4 million to provide an advisory service in the county.

STARS Dorset, a charity that offers one-to-one support to anyone who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life, has been awarded the contract to provide an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service in the county.

The seven-year contract, which has been funded by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset and NHS England, is worth £205,000 a year and begins in April and runs until 2028.

The charity will provide a range of dedicated advisors who will work with adults, while others will work with children and young people.

Survivors are able to speak to advisors face-to-face at the organisation's centres in Dorchester and Poole, as well as over the telephone or during remote sessions.

Helen Stevens, chief executive of STARS Dorset, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver ISVA services throughout Dorset.

"This opportunity will enable us to further develop the service over the next seven years, ensuring survivors of sexual violence in Dorset have access to the specialist support they need to enable their recovery.

"We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the team at Dorset's sexual assault referral centre, building on the already great partnership work that has been established between our two services."

Advisors can support survivors who have reported to the police by helping them navigate the criminal justice system, as well as providing support for those who need to access other services such as health, housing, education, employment and benefits.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: "These are dedicated individuals who provide incredible emotional and practical support to people who have been through some of the worst experiences possible and are living through situations where everything seems confusing and out of control.

"While it is incredibly sad that the service is so badly needed, I am proud to be supporting it and ensuring it can help more people across the county for the next seven years."