Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Ohio, 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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 7 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Ohio, United States if you experienced:

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:

Not being able to fall or stay asleep
A strong need to withdraw from socializing
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you

As a victim of sexual violence you could be feeling furious, desperate, revengeful, hopeless, and empty, all at the same time. This is a perfectly normal response to such a traumatizing event.

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 Ohio, United States could help you feel less isolated.

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