Winning designs from two students at Arts University Bournemouth have resulted in Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS Dorset) launching a series of t-shirts, tote bags and sweatshirts.

The merchandise will raise awareness around the theme of ‘consent’ for this year’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, held from February 7 to 13.

Last year STARS Dorset, with support from the Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union, ran a competition asking for designs.

The charity hoped that they would promote discussion and also help raise vital funds for its work across Dorset supporting those who have been affected by any form of sexual assault or sexual abuse.

Two designs were subsequently chosen and developed: ‘Hands Off The Artwork’ by Kate McMullen and ‘no means no’ by Beth Trim.

Both are students at the Arts University Bournemouth.

All the merchandise is now available to view and buy through a dedicated Teemill website by clicking here.

Kate originally submitted her Botticelli’s Venus design which the judges loved and asked if it could be further developed.

As a result she created a further four designs.

Kate said: “I was inspired to use Botticelli’s Venus in my original design to make the point that nudity is not an invitation and the sexualisation of bodies (particularly women’s bodies, though this problem does transcend gender) within our culture is why sexual trauma is so prevalent.

“I decided to include nudity from classical art as it toes an interesting line between obscene and academically accepted.

“The writing is an empowering message about knowing you are beautiful and setting your own boundaries.

“Just because a body is beautiful it does not mean anybody has the right to touch it.”

Beth submitted several designs but the judges chose her slogan design with the simple words ‘no means no’ which was then produced in the colours of the charity’s logo.

She said: “I was inspired by the slogan shirts that have seemingly ordinary designs but then upon reading the words there is an important message or an unexpected phrase.

“I am really intrigued by the juxtaposition there.

“This topic can be incredibly moving for many, so I wanted to approach the design from a place of simplicity and pertinence.

“Getting straight to the point with typography that is nice on the eye and easy to interpret paired with the familiar iconography of the smiling face.

“Suggesting that ‘no means no’ is truly an irrefutable fact and must be followed, particularly in the context of sex and relationships.”

Helen Stevens, pictured left, CEO, STARS Dorset, said: “Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is an annual event that we as a charity support to help generate discussion and raise awareness about sexual violence in today’s society.

“We hope this merchandise as well as helping generate vital funds for our work will also bring about discussion around the topic of consent.

“I want to thank everyone who entered the competition especially the two creators of our winning designs, Kate and Beth.”

STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has been affected any form of sexual violence at any time in their life.

The charity offers a telephone supportline service, a one to one counselling service, an independent sexual violence advisor service and also has a dedicated children and young people team.

All its services are free.

Last year the charity supported over 2,000 people across the county.

• starsdorset.org