Helplines in Botswana.

Hotlines are available in Botswana 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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 1 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Botswana if you experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• 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
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

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

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.

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 Botswana could help you feel less isolated.

If you are victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, consider contacting a helpline in Botswana for free, confidential help.