Helplines in Waikato, New Zealand.

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in Waikato, New Zealand

Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Waikato, New Zealand – women, men or children – can be a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, such as rape or unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome, intimidating or offensive sexual behavior.

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 2 hotlines in Waikato, New Zealand who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Experiencing an attempted rape or sodomy
• 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
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse

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.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in Waikato, New Zealand who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Waikato, New Zealand today.