Helplines in Calderdale, England.

Are you experiencing sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Contact a free hotline in Calderdale, England for confidential support

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Calderdale, England, if someone has used coercion, power or force to make you engage in unwanted sexual activity, you were a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape and unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, talking about your experience with people who understand can help you recover. Seek free help from 2 sexual abuse, assault and harassment hotlines in Calderdale, England if you face:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• 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 exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred

Sexual violence could provoke many ways of coping, some more and some less healthy. You may go through many different feelings, responses, and stages of recovery until you fully heal.

Coping with the trauma of sexual violence can be even harder if you are trying to do it on your own. There is no right or wrong way to recover from the abuse. However, having someone to talk to in Calderdale, England can make the process easier.

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