Helplines in Namur, Belgium.

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

Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Namur, Belgium – women, men or children – can be a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, such as rape or unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome, intimidating or offensive sexual behavior.

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 3 hotlines in Namur, Belgium you can contact. Everyone’s experience is unique, as well as the path towards recovery. However, hotline volunteers could help you for free if you are experiencing or have experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading

Effects of sexual violence:

• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Losing trust in people in general
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

Sexual violence could provoke many ways of coping, some more and some less healthy. You may go through many different feelings, responses, and stages of recovery until you fully heal.

Coping with the trauma of sexual violence can be even harder if you are trying to do it on your own. There is no right or wrong way to recover from the abuse. However, having someone to talk to in Namur, Belgium can make the process easier.

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