Helplines in Lagos, Nigeria.

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

If you are in Lagos, Nigeria 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.

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 Lagos, Nigeria there are 3 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:

• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• 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

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite

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.

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 Lagos, Nigeria who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

If you feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in Lagos, Nigeria. It's free and confidential.