Helplines in Westmeath, Ireland.

Are you a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get free, confidential support from a hotline in Westmeath, Ireland

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’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 1 hotlines in Westmeath, Ireland 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:

• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Catcalls and whistles that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
• Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
• 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

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Not being able to fall or stay asleep
• Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
• Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
• Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
• Feeling dirty, damaged, and broken

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.

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 Westmeath, Ireland can make the process easier.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Westmeath, Ireland today.