Helplines in Central Bedfordshire, England.

Are you experiencing sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Contact a free hotline in Central Bedfordshire, England for confidential support

Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Central Bedfordshire, England – 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’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you might be experiencing intense rage and fear, or you may feel numb. There are 0 hotlines in Central Bedfordshire, England who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• 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
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading

Effects of sexual violence:

• Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of 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
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in Central Bedfordshire, England could help you feel less isolated.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Central Bedfordshire, England today.