Helplines in East Flanders, Belgium.

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in East Flanders, Belgium

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in East Flanders, Belgium, if someone has used coercion, power or force to make you engage in unwanted sexual activity, you were a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape and unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

There are many people throughout the world who struggle to overcome the aftermath of sexual violence. If you are one of them, getting the right kind of help can make all the difference. In East Flanders, Belgium there are 1 hotlines you can contact for support with sexual abuse, assault or harassment. Reach out if you have experienced any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Someone making degrading or offensive comments about your body or sexuality, or using sexual terms and language in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent

Effects of sexual violence:

• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in East Flanders, Belgium who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

If you are victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, consider contacting a helpline in East Flanders, Belgium for free, confidential help.