If you are in Malawi and were in any way forced or coerced to perform an activity of sexual nature, then you are a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence can also be sexual assault, such as unwanted touching or rape, 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 4 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Malawi if you experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Experiencing an attempted rape or sodomy
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases

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 deals with sexual abuse, assault or harassment differently. You may find yourself trying to cope with it in a variety of ways. However, it is perfectly natural that it takes time to heal. It was a traumatic experience, and it might take a lot of support to recover.

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 Malawi 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 Malawi for free and confidential support.