Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in New York

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Reach out to a sexual abuse hotline in New York, United States today for private, confidential support

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’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 17 hotlines in New York, 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
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• 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 spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced

Everyone deals with sexual abuse, assault or harassment differently. You may find yourself trying to cope with it in a variety of ways. However, it is perfectly natural that it takes time to heal. It was a traumatic experience, and it might take a lot of support to recover.

Coping with the trauma of sexual violence can be even harder if you are trying to do it on your own. There is no right or wrong way to recover from the abuse. However, having someone to talk to in New York, United States can make the process easier.

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