Helplines in Türkiye.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Türkiye

Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Türkiye – 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 Türkiye who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize 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:

• 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

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Türkiye might help you calm your thoughts and emotions and find a path forward. You don’t have to be alone on your journey toward recovery.

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