Sexual abuse is when one person forces another person into sexual behavior, without that person's consent. It is a type of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. This includes sexual assault (such as unwanted touching or rape) and sexual harassment (unwelcome or offensive sexual behavior).

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 China there are 4 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:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Sexual photos or videos being posted online 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 kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
A strong need to withdraw from socializing
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you

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 China who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

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

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Helplines in China for sexual abuse.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in China

Examples of sexual violence:

Effects of sexual violence:

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