Helplines in East Renfrewshire, Scotland.

Hotlines are available in East Renfrewshire, Scotland for the victims of sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It's free and confidential.

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, if someone has used coercion, power or force to make you engage in unwanted sexual activity, you were a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape and unwanted touching, 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 East Renfrewshire, Scotland 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:

• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• 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
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• 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

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.

When you’re on your path to surviving sexual violence and its aftermath, it helps to know that there are people who can relate. People in East Renfrewshire, Scotland who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in East Renfrewshire, Scotland today.