Helplines in Cumbria, England.

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

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Cumbria, 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’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 1 hotlines in Cumbria, England who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• 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 spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse

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.

When you’re on your path to surviving sexual violence and its aftermath, it helps to know that there are people who can relate. People in Cumbria, England who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

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