Helplines in Hertfordshire, England.

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

If you are in Hertfordshire, England 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 0 hotlines in Hertfordshire, England who support the victims of sexual violence. Consider getting some support if you recognize any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• 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
• Experiencing an attempted rape or sodomy

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

Everyone deals with sexual abuse, assault or harassment differently. You may find yourself trying to cope with it in a variety of ways. However, it is perfectly natural that it takes time to heal. It was a traumatic experience, and it might take a lot of support to recover.

When you’re on your path to surviving sexual violence and its aftermath, it helps to know that there are people who can relate. People in Hertfordshire, England who went through similar experiences could make your recovery easier and quicker.

If you are ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Hertfordshire, England for free and confidential support.