Helplines in Westminster, England.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Westminster, 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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 3 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Westminster, England if you experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

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

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 Westminster, England who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Westminster, England for free and confidential support.