If you are in Cornwall, England and were in any way forced or coerced to perform an activity of sexual nature, then you are a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence can also be sexual assault, such as unwanted touching or rape, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 5 hotlines in Cornwall, England you can contact. Everyone’s experience is unique, as well as the path towards recovery. However, hotline volunteers could help you for free if you are experiencing or have experienced:

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:

Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced

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 Cornwall, 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.

Consider contacting a hotline in Cornwall, England right away for free, private help with sexual abuse, assault and harassment