Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Japan – women, men or children – can be a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, such as rape or unwanted touching, and sexual harassment, which is unwelcome, intimidating or offensive sexual behavior.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, talking about your experience with people who understand can help you recover. Seek free help from 7 sexual abuse, assault and harassment hotlines in Japan if you face:

Examples of sexual violence:

Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
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
An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
Being forced or coerced to have sex without protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
A decline in your physical and mental health
Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
Feeling ashamed for what occurred
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again

Sexual violence could provoke many ways of coping, some more and some less healthy. You may go through many different feelings, responses, and stages of recovery until you fully heal.

Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in Japan could help you feel less isolated.

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