Free hotlines for sexual assault and abuse in Vermont

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

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’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 2 hotlines in Vermont, United States you can contact. Everyone’s experience is unique, as well as the path towards recovery. However, hotline volunteers could help you for free if you are experiencing or have experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• 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 exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• 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 coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Losing trust in people in general
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• A decline in your physical and mental health

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Vermont, United States might help you calm your thoughts and emotions and find a path forward. You don’t have to be alone on your journey toward recovery.

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