Helplines in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Reach out to a sexual abuse hotline in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany today for private, confidential support

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 0 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany if you experienced:

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)
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• 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
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• A decline in your physical and mental health

As a victim of sexual violence you could be feeling furious, desperate, revengeful, hopeless, and empty, all at the same time. This is a perfectly normal response to such a traumatizing event.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany for free and confidential support.