Helplines in Sefton, England.

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in Sefton, England

Sexual abuse is when one person forces another person into sexual behavior, without that person's consent. It is a type of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. This includes sexual assault (such as unwanted touching or rape) and sexual harassment (unwelcome or offensive sexual behavior).

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 1 hotlines in Sefton, 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
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• 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

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Losing trust in people in general
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts

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.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in Sefton, 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 Sefton, England. It's free and confidential.