Helplines in Italy.

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

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.

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 Italy there are 4 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:

• 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:

• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Losing trust in people in general
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation

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.

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 Italy who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

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