Helplines in Albania.

Hotlines are available in Albania for the victims of sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It's free and confidential.

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.

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 2 hotlines in Albania who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• 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
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified

Effects of sexual violence:

• Losing trust in people in general
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• A strong need to withdraw from socializing
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

As a victim of sexual violence you could be feeling furious, desperate, revengeful, hopeless, and empty, all at the same time. This is a perfectly normal response to such a traumatizing event.

Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in Albania could help you feel less isolated.

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