Helplines in DOW, Northern Ireland.

Hotlines are available in DOW, Northern Ireland for the victims of sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It's free and confidential.

If you are in DOW, Northern Ireland and were in any way forced or coerced to perform an activity of sexual nature, then you are a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence can also be sexual assault, such as unwanted touching or rape, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

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 DOW, Northern Ireland 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 filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading

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

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in DOW, Northern Ireland could help you feel less isolated.

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