Helplines in Samoa.

Have you experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Get confidential support from a hotline in Samoa

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 are a victim of sexual violence, talking through your experience can help. Reach out to any of 1 hotlines that support with sexual abuse, assault and harassment in Samoa if you experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• Being used sexually in a way that is humiliating
• Being spoken to in a sexual way that you find offensive or degrading
• 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
• Being exposed to a violent, hurtful sexual act without your permission
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

• Feeling guilty about 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
• Losing trust in people in general
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse
• Changes (either loss or increase) in your appetite
• Feeling ashamed for what occurred
• Engaging in self-harm or self-mutilation

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.

After surviving sexual violence, you might believe no one will understand your feelings. However, there are people in Samoa who will give their best to understand you. Speaking freely about what you experienced could help you heal faster.

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