Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Quebec, Canada
If you are in Quebec, 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 5 hotlines in Quebec, 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
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
Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
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)
Effects of sexual violence:
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
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.
If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Quebec, Canada might help you calm your thoughts and emotions and find a path forward. You don’t have to be alone on your journey toward recovery.
For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Quebec, Canada today.