Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in Texas

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Texas, United States

If you are in Texas, United States and were in any way forced or coerced to perform an activity of sexual nature, then you are a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence can also be sexual assault, such as unwanted touching or rape, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome 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 11 hotlines in Texas, United States who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• 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

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

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.

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

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