Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Denmark – 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 6 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Denmark 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
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:

A decline in your physical and mental health
Losing trust in people in general
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse

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 Denmark 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 Denmark today.