Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Nottinghamshire, England
Sexual abuse is a form sexual violence where a person uses power or coercion to force you into unwanted sexual activity. You can be a victim of sexual abuse if you are a woman, man or child. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape, and sexual harassment, which is sexual behaviour toward you that is unwelcome or offensive.
If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 1 hotlines in Nottinghamshire, 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:
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)
Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
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 filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
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
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 Nottinghamshire, England can make the process easier.
If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Nottinghamshire, England for free and confidential support.