Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Trinidad and Tobago, 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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 5 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Trinidad and Tobago 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
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:

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

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 Trinidad and Tobago can make the process easier.

Consider contacting a hotline in Trinidad and Tobago right away for free, private help with sexual abuse, assault and harassment