Helplines in Somerset, United Kingdom.

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in Somerset, United Kingdom

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Somerset, United Kingdom, 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.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 1 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Somerset, United Kingdom if you experienced:

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:

• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Losing trust in people in general
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Somerset, United Kingdom 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.

Consider contacting a hotline in Somerset, United Kingdom right away for free, private help with sexual abuse, assault and harassment