Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Missouri, United States – 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 3 hotlines in Missouri, United States who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Sexual photos or videos being posted online 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 kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

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.

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

If you feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in Missouri, United States. It's free and confidential.