Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in Illinois

Hotlines are available in Illinois, United States for the victims of sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It's free and confidential.

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Illinois, United States, if someone has used coercion, power or force to make you engage in unwanted sexual activity, you were a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape and unwanted touching, 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 Illinois, United States there are 8 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:

• 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
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified

Effects of sexual violence:

• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced

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.

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 Illinois, United States 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 Illinois, United States for free and confidential support.