Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Suffolk, 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.
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 Suffolk, England there are 1 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 coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Experiencing an attempted rape or sodomy
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Effects of sexual violence:
Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Feeling ashamed for what occurred
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
A decline in your physical and mental health
As a victim of sexual violence you could be feeling furious, desperate, revengeful, hopeless, and empty, all at the same time. This is a perfectly normal response to such a traumatizing event.
After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in Suffolk, England who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.
If you feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in Suffolk, England. It's free and confidential.