Helplines in Benin.

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

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 Benin there are 3 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:

• 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)
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• 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
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Losing trust in people in general
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts

Everyone deals with sexual abuse, assault or harassment differently. You may find yourself trying to cope with it in a variety of ways. However, it is perfectly natural that it takes time to heal. It was a traumatic experience, and it might take a lot of support to recover.

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 Benin can make the process easier.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Benin today.