Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Lithuania, 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 5 hotlines in Lithuania 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:

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:

An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
Losing trust in people in general
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
A decline in your physical and mental health

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

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