Helplines in New South Wales, Australia.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in New South Wales, Australia

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in New South Wales, Australia, 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.

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 New South Wales, Australia who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• 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
• Experiencing an attempted rape or sodomy

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse

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.

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

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in New South Wales, Australia today.