Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in Maine

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in Maine, United States

Sexual abuse is a form sexual violence where a person uses power or coercion to force you into unwanted sexual activity. You can be a victim of sexual abuse if you are a woman, man or child. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape, and sexual harassment, which is sexual behaviour toward you that is unwelcome or offensive.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, talking about your experience with people who understand can help you recover. Seek free help from 2 sexual abuse, assault and harassment hotlines in Maine, United States if you face:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• 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
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Losing trust in people in general
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Maine, United States 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 Maine, United States today.