Helplines in Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Outer Hebrides, Scotland

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 about your experience with people who understand can help you recover. Seek free help from 1 sexual abuse, assault and harassment hotlines in Outer Hebrides, Scotland if you face:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• 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
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• 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

Effects of sexual violence:

• Losing trust in people in general
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• A strong need to withdraw from socializing
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Outer Hebrides, Scotland might help you calm your thoughts and emotions and find a path forward. You don’t have to be alone on your journey toward recovery.

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