Helplines in Cork, Ireland.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Reach out to a sexual abuse hotline in Cork, Ireland today for private, confidential support

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Cork, Ireland, 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’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 2 hotlines in Cork, Ireland you can contact. Everyone’s experience is unique, as well as the path towards recovery. However, hotline volunteers could help you for free if you are experiencing or have experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• 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 spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)

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 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.

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 Cork, Ireland could help you feel less isolated.

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