Are you experiencing sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Contact a free hotline in Essex, England for confidential support
Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Essex, 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 through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 1 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Essex, England if you experienced:
Examples of sexual violence:
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
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
Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
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
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.
After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in Essex, England who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.
Consider contacting a hotline in Essex, England right away for free, private help with sexual abuse, assault and harassment