Regardless of whether you're a woman, man or child in Massachusetts, United States, 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’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 5 hotlines in Massachusetts, United States 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:

Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
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
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
Being used sexually while you were very drunk, drugged, unconscious, or unable to say NO
Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone

Effects of sexual violence:

Feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions, like anger, fear, numbness
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
Feeling guilty about the sexual abuse
Having nightmares about the sexual abuse you experienced
Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse

Everyone responds to experiencing sexual violence differently. It’s perfectly normal to go through very different emotions in a single day. Still, trying to cope with this on your own can be extremely difficult.

If you’re struggling with finding meaning in what occurred to you, talking to hotline staff in Massachusetts, United States 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.

Consider contacting a hotline in Massachusetts, United States right away for free, private help with sexual abuse, assault and harassment