Sexual abuse is a form sexual violence where a person uses power or coercion to force you into unwanted sexual activity. You can be a victim of sexual abuse if you are a woman, man or child. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape, and sexual harassment, which is sexual behaviour toward you that is unwelcome or offensive.

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 Switzerland there are 4 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:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
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
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
A strong need to withdraw from socializing
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you

Everyone responds to experiencing sexual violence differently. It’s perfectly normal to go through very different emotions in a single day. Still, trying to cope with this on your own can be extremely difficult.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Switzerland might help you calm your thoughts and emotions and find a path forward. You don’t have to be alone on your journey toward recovery.

If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Switzerland for free and confidential support.