If you currently are or ever have been the victim of sexual assault, seek help immediately. It is not your fault. You did nothing wrong, and you do not deserve that behavior. Reach out to a trusted adult and tell them what has happened to you. They will not be angry or upset with you, but they will do what they can to make you feel safe. Additionally, they will take the steps necessary to punish the person who committed these crimes.

 

For additional help or resources, consider calling the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline,
 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), to be connected with a well-trained staff member from your area. This is a safe, confidential service with individuals committed to helping victims of sexual assault or abuse. If you do not feel comfortable talking to someone on the phone, you can seek secure and confidential help via their online services: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/.

 

You are not alone. You are worthy of love, respect, happiness, and safety. Being a victim of sexual assault does not have to define your future. You can still be very successful and heal from this event. Reach out to individuals who have been through similar ordeals and become part of a community of people learning to heal together.

 

 

Admitting that you are in an abusive relationship, or have been the victim of sexual assault, can be challenging. You may not want to talk about it and instead deny that the relationship is unhealthy, or that you have been a victim of assault. You also may feel scared that your partner will get into trouble. Unfortunately, ignoring the problem will only make it worse. If you feel that you are in danger, you should tell a parent, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult to get help immediately. They will do so without making you feel bad about asking for help. Your safety is the highest priority.

 

 

If you or anyone you know has experience with these or other difficult situations, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Talking to a parent, teacher, counselor, family member, or other trusted adult can help you to resolve the situation before things become too difficult to control.