Sexual abuse is the use of coercion, force, or unequal positions to make you engage in any form of unwanted sexual activity. Anyone in Tennessee, United States – 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 through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 5 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Tennessee, United States if you experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
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
Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
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

Effects of sexual violence:

Losing trust in people in general
Having flashbacks about the sexual abuse
Feeling depressed and hopeless, with suicidal thoughts
A strong need to withdraw from socializing
Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
Bursts of fear, anxiety, and panic
An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively

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.

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

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Tennessee, United States today.