Helplines in Barking and Dagenham, England.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Reach out to a sexual abuse hotline in Barking and Dagenham, England 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’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 3 hotlines in Barking and Dagenham, England who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• 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 kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• 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
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified

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

Everyone deals with sexual abuse, assault or harassment differently. You may find yourself trying to cope with it in a variety of ways. However, it is perfectly natural that it takes time to heal. It was a traumatic experience, and it might take a lot of support to recover.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Barking and Dagenham, England 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.

If you feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in Barking and Dagenham, England. It's free and confidential.