Helplines in ARM, Northern Ireland.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in ARM, Northern Ireland

Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in ARM, Northern Ireland – women, men or children – can be a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, such as rape or unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome, intimidating or offensive sexual behavior.

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 1 hotlines in ARM, Northern Ireland who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online 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 kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

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 ARM, Northern Ireland who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in ARM, Northern Ireland today.