Everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel respected, heard and safe. It is not your fault if you are in a relationship that involves emotional, verbal or physical abuse. It can happen to anyone. What is important, is that you are able to recognize these signs of abuse and find the help that you might need.
Here are some resources to help you recognize the signs of an abusive relationship:
Abusive Relationships
Intro to Relationships
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual act. Remember, it is never your fault if you have experienced sexual abuse, and you deserve to be believed and supported. This word is often used to describe when an adult coerces a child into some form of sexual activity. When unwanted sexual acts occur between adults or young adults, this is most often called sexual assault. Sexual abuse can happen with or without some form of touching. For example, sexual abuse can be someone touching you in a sexual way or asking you to touch them in a sexual way, or could be something like showing you a sexual photo or video. If you have experienced sexual abuse, you may be feeling many different emotions, and it can be very overwhelming. Learn more here about getting the help you need.
For more information, check out: Sexual Abuse
Resources
Below are different resources to contact when dealing with abuse. You can also talk to a parent, adult or friend you trust.
Kids Help Phone call anonymously at 1-800-668-6868
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
(1-800) 4-A-Child or (1-800) 422-4453
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Specifically for women
1-866-863-0511