Sexual abuse is when one person forces another person into sexual behavior, without that person's consent. It is a type of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. This includes sexual assault (such as unwanted touching or rape) and sexual harassment (unwelcome or offensive 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 Arizona, United States there are 6 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
Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Losing trust in people in general
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite

Sexual violence could provoke many ways of coping, some more and some less healthy. You may go through many different feelings, responses, and stages of recovery until you fully heal.

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

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