'Significant' rise in people convicted of sexual assault in Dorset this year
Sexual trauma charity STARS says there’s been a 'shift' in successful cases
Survivors of sexual assault in Dorset say they feel ‘heard’ following the recent spike in perpetrators being convicted.
Sexual Trauma charity, STARS Dorset has helped get 13 guilty verdicts in court for a total of 64 years in prison.
The charity has told us that there has been “quite a significant shift” in the number of people going to trial, a rise of 25% from 2016.
Chief Executive Helen Stevens said: “We're beginning to see a change in society whereby people feel they will be heard and believed and that there is support available to them.
“Survivors do not need to face this on their own if they choose to go through the criminal justice route and I think that gives people more confidence to come forward and have their day in court.”
When asked how survivors feel once sharing their story in court, Ms Stevens said: “A lot of different emotions, obviously relief. they also feel listened and validated,
“Sometimes it can just be closure for a person or they realise a newfound self-confidence and self-worth because their story has been heard.”
The Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) are there to support clients through each stage of the criminal justice process.
The charity hopes the recent success will inspire others to speak up and not bottle up their feelings.
Ms Stevens added: “There are so many great specialist support services out there that victims can now rest assured they will be believed and they will be heard.
“We hope the recent rise in convictions helps people come forward, knowing that they could get a positive outcome as well.”
STARS Dorset urge anyone in need of help and support to contact them via: https://www.starsdorset.org/