Sexual abuse and violence
Sexual abuse and violence might be used in an abusive relationship. This might include:
- Being forced into sex.
- Being made to take part in sexual activities you are not comfortable with,
- Being made to watch or look at pornography.
- Having contraception witheld or made to have sex without contraception.
- Being forced into prostitution or encouraged to have sex with your partners friends when you don't want to.
- Being kept pregnant.
- Any other behaviour you are not comfortable with.
Generally any sexual behaviour that you are made to take part in or that you feel you have little choice than to take part in, and makes you feel uncomfortable or scared, may be sexual abuse.
You can talk through your experiences as part of the support you might get from the helpline. For specialist support for rape (being forced to have sex) or sexual assault either from a partner or stranger you can access Rape Crisis in Nottingham or the Topaz Centre.
- Rape Crisis (Nottingham): 0115 9410440
- Rape Crisis Centres provide a range of specialist services for women and girls that have been raped or experienced another form of sexual violence - whether as adults or as children.
- Topaz Centre: 0845 600 15 88 support@topazcentre.org.uk
- The Topaz Centre is Nottinghamshire's SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre); it provides multi-agency support to survivors of rape and sexual assault.
- NAPAC: 0800 085 3330
- The National Association of People Abused in Childhood offers support to individuals who have experienced sexual abuse as a child or in the past and not as part of a current or recent relationship. Rape Crisis will be able to offer support.
- Sexual Violence Legal Advice line: 020 7251 8887 (telephone) or 020 7490 2562 (textphone)
- Rights of Women run a free Sexual Violence Legal Advice Line for women by women, which is open Mondays 11am-1pm and Tuesdays 10am-12pm.
- ISAS - Incest & Sexual Abuse Survivors Helpline: 01636 610313
25/01/2010 Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Forum