Helplines in FER, Northern Ireland.

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

If you are in FER, 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 FER, 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:

• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• 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

Everyone responds to experiencing sexual violence differently. It’s perfectly normal to go through very different emotions in a single day. Still, trying to cope with this on your own can be extremely difficult.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in FER, Northern Ireland who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

If you are victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, consider contacting a helpline in FER, Northern Ireland for free, confidential help.