Helplines in Argyll and Bute, Scotland.

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

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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 1 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Argyll and Bute, Scotland 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
• Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• 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:

• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Having flashbacks about 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 Argyll and Bute, Scotland 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 ready to talk to someone about your experience of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, you can contact a hotline in Argyll and Bute, Scotland for free and confidential support.