Helplines in British Columbia, Canada.

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

If you are in British Columbia, Canada and were in any way forced or coerced to perform an activity of sexual nature, then you are a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence can also be sexual assault, such as unwanted touching or rape, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 11 hotlines in British Columbia, Canada 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:

• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Losing trust in people in general
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in British Columbia, Canada 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 British Columbia, Canada today.