Helplines in England.

Hotlines are available in England for the victims of sexual abuse, assault and harassment. It's free and confidential.

Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in England, if someone has used coercion, power or force to make you engage in unwanted sexual activity, you were a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which is any sexual activity without consent. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape and unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome sexual behavior.

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 12 hotlines in England 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 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 abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases

Effects of sexual violence:

• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• Losing trust in people in general
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

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.

Coping with the trauma of sexual violence can be even harder if you are trying to do it on your own. There is no right or wrong way to recover from the abuse. However, having someone to talk to in England can make the process easier.

If you feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in England. It's free and confidential.