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.

There are many people throughout the world who struggle to overcome the aftermath of sexual violence. If you are one of them, getting the right kind of help can make all the difference. In Hong Kong there are 9 hotlines you can contact for support with sexual abuse, assault or harassment. Reach out if you have experienced any of the following:

Examples of sexual violence:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

A decline in your physical and mental health
Losing trust in people in general
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse

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.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Hong Kong 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 feel like you might need support with your experience of sexual violence, try reaching out to a hotline in Hong Kong. It's free and confidential.