Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in Pennsylvania

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

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Pennsylvania, 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.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 8 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Pennsylvania, United States if you experienced:

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:

• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Losing trust in people in general
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation

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.

When you’re on your path to surviving sexual violence and its aftermath, it helps to know that there are people who can relate. People in Pennsylvania, United States who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Pennsylvania, United States today.