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The STAR Centre offers free and confidential support to anyone aged 13+ (women, girls, men, boys and those who identify as transgender or non-binary), of any ethnicity who has experienced any type of sexual violence at any time in their lives.

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We also... 💜Hosted a SOLD OUT talk on online misogyny and the “manosphere” 💜Reflected on last year’s #SurvivorsCantWait campaign 💜Pulled together statistics from Break The Silence, NHS services and Police to evidence that Sexual Violence happens here 💜Called for more long-term and sustainable investment for Rape Crisis Services.
We were able to attend the #16DaysOfActivism stalls at Ayrshire college campuses!
We helped organise and attend the #ReclaimTheNight march in Kilmarnock, and were lucky enough to also make it to the one hosted in Irvine. #16DaysOfActivism
We made some posters with young people at SL33 and SL66 alongside East Ayrshire Women's Aid. These posters were then displayed in WG13 for people to see after the #ReclaimTheNight marches!
If you were in Kilmarnock train station you might have seen some bright red shoes. Each pair of red shoes told a powerful story: 👠The number of domestic abuse incidents reported to Police Scotland in our area. 👠The women who have tragically lost their lives to intimate partner homicide. 👠The women and girls referred to VAWG specialists services. 👠The women and children supported in refuge. Inspired by the Zaptos Rojos art movement from Mexico during the #Metoo movement, this display reminds us all that violence against women is not a distant issue - it's happening in our community. To everyone who paused and reflected, thank you for acknowledging these stories.
Yesterday marked the end of #16DaysOfActivism so we've prepared a round-up of some of the things we got up to! Stay tuned...
🧠 Test Your Knowledge on Gender-Based Violence 🧠 The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ends today, but the fight continues. Are you aware of the issues surrounding gender-based violence? 🧐 Take Global Citizen's quiz to see how much you really know and raise your awareness! 💬The more we learn, the more we can do to help create a world world where everyone feels safe. Click the link to take the quiz: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/actions-to-take-end-gender-based-violence-16-days/ #ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivism #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
🔸16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: The Need for Trauma-Informed Support 🔸 Our promise from The STAR Centre is to provide trauma-informed, ethical support rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to survivors. Guided by feminist principles, we put survivors first, creating a safe and respectful space for every person impacted by sexual violence. Whether in-person, over the phone, or online, we are here for you with support that is flexible, empowering, and survivor-focused - because recovery should happen on your terms, at your pace. 💜 #ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Has your school signed up to @rapecrisisscot 's ESAS programme? Swipe to find out more about what it is and how you can get involved !
In 2023-24 over 800 people received specialised support for an experience of sexual violence from ourselves, @breakthesilence2004, and @nhsayrshirearran It is important that when survivors speak out, someone is there to listen. Specialist services that support survivors of sexual violence need robust, long-term commitment and investment in order to ensure that when #ItHappensHere survivors can get the support they need, when they need it.
Rape Crisis services need long-term, sustainable funding to ensure a secure future for both staff and survivors. This #16DaysOfActivism you can be part of positive change by emailing your local MSP to encourage a greater commitment to rape crisis services in the long term.
🔸16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Sexual Violence in Rural Areas 🔸 There is a common misconception that sexual violence doesn't happen in rural communities - or not as often as it does in urban areas. But the truth is, survivors of sexual violence live everywhere, including Ayrshire's rural and island communities. Survivors in rural areas face unique challenges, from isolation to limited access to services, to concerns about privacy in small communities. At The STAR Centre, we're committed to making support accessible across all of Ayrshire, including the Isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae. Whether it's face-to-face at our centre, over the phone, or Teams, in a a third safe space, we'll meet you where its easiest and most comfortable for you. 💜 #ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
#16DaysOfActivism can be a tough time for survivors of sexual violence. If you, or someone you care about is finding this time of year particularly difficult, please get in touch with our centre. This can be done by calling The STAR Centre on 01563 544686, or email us at admin@starcentreayrshire.org. Our lines are monitored between 9am and 4.30pm
Rape Crisis services are emergency support that need long-term, sustainable funding to ensure a secure future for both staff and survivors. Governments must prioritise proper resourcing to effectively tackle Gender-Based Violence #SupportSurvivors #EndGBV #SurvivorsStillCantWait
Every woman, regardless of her background, deserves support and safety. However, women from minority ethnic communities often face discrimination, shame, and a lack of understanding from services meant to help. - Cultural misunderstandings in mainstream services make it harder for women to access the support they need. - Lack of trauma-informed language and adequate translation services are significant barriers for minority ethnic women seeking help with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). - Women fleeing crisis from their home countries are at high risk of trafficking and further violence. It’s time to change the system. We need services that are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and accessible to ALL women. #EndVAWG #SupportMinorityEthnicWomen #TraumaInformedCare #SafeAndEqual #EmpowerWomen
🔸16 Days of Activism: Protecting Young People from Sexual Violence 🔸 In 2023 - 24, 37% of recorded sexual crimes happened to young people under the age of 18. This stark statistic highlights the vulnerability of children and young people. Unfortunately many young survivors face barriers - such as fear, shame, and lack of support - that prevent them from coming forward and seeking help. The STAR Centre is here to offer a safe space to survivors of sexual violence. We are committed to listening, believing, and empowering all survivors aged 13+. If you've experienced sexual violence, you don't have to carry that burden alone. We are here to provide the support and care you deserve. With consistent, adequate funding we can continue to offer support and a safe space for all survivors. #ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysofActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Imagine a Scotland where women have equal power and representation — where every voice is heard, every decision is fair, and gender-based violence is no longer a reality. #ImagineEquality #16DaysOfActivism #WomenInPower #EndGenderBasedViolence
During #16DaysOfActivism it is important that we pay attention to all aspects of gender-based violence, including sexual violence. Over 800 reports were made to the police in the last year alone, but we know that 5 in 6 women and 4 in 5 men don’t report it. It is our job to make sure that everyone impacted by sexual violence in Ayrshire gets the support they need, when they need it #ItHappensHere
🔸16 Days of Activism: the Intersection of Dis/ability and Sexual Violence 🔸 Did you know that 1 in 3 people with learning disabilities have experienced sexual abuse? This heartbreaking statistic highlights the urgent need for tailored support, education, and preventative action. In response, The STAR Centre is piloting No More! - an innovative prevention programme designed by @rapecrisisscot specifically for young people with additional support needs (ASN) across Ayrshire. Through accessible resources and open conversations, No More! aims to equip young people with the tools they need to recognise, and prevent sexual harm. The STAR Centre is working towards a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered. Join us in supporting 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, as we say No More! to sexual violence and Yes to safety and inclusion. 💜 #ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #NoMore #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
When we speak to people about the prevention of gender-based and sexual violence we often get asked: what about men? The truth is, gender inequality harms everyone - including men. Assumptions like 'men always want sex,' 'they can fight off an unwanted advance,' or 'they’re less affected by sexual violence' are rooted in outdated ideas of masculinity and sexism. These harmful beliefs not only silence men-survivors but also stigmatise their experiences. It’s time to recognise that sexual violence affects people of all genders, and create space for healing, understanding, and support for every survivor.
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