Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Lewisham, England
If you are in Lewisham, 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.
There are many people throughout the world who struggle to overcome the aftermath of sexual violence. If you are one of them, getting the right kind of help can make all the difference. In Lewisham, England there are 5 hotlines you can contact for support with sexual abuse, assault or harassment. Reach out if you have experienced any of the following:
Examples of sexual violence:
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
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 spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
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
Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
Effects of sexual violence:
Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Losing trust in people in general
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
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.
Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in Lewisham, England could help you feel less isolated.
If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Lewisham, England for free and confidential support.