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 4 hotlines in Estonia 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:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
Not being able to fall or stay asleep
Losing trust in people in general
Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Estonia 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.

If you are victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, consider contacting a helpline in Estonia for free, confidential help.