Sexual VIOLENCE

What is sexual violence?

In an abusive relationship, multiple forms of violence will often occur. Being subjected to sexualized violence or rape by your partner has serious consequences - both mental and physical - and it is therefore important that you get help to process the trauma once you have left the abusive relationship.

Examples of when you are a victim of sexual violence

Sexual violence covers any form of unwanted sexual activity where consent is not present or where you have been coerced or manipulated into activity of a sexual nature. This could be if you:
Being forced into sex with your partner
Sexual violence is not limited to non-consensual sex with a stranger, but can also involve your own partner. It is important to understand that consent must be free and voluntary and any attempt to coerce you into sexual activity is unacceptable.
Being sexually exploited without consent while sleeping
Being exploited while asleep is an extremely serious form of sexual violence as it is impossible to give consent while asleep. It is a clear violation of your boundaries and rights, whether it's your partner or a stranger.
Being subjected to unwanted touching
Unwanted touching, whether in an intimate or non-intimate context, is a violation of your bodily integrity. It's important to know that you have the right to decide who can touch your body - even if it's from your partner.
Being verbally threatened with rape
Verbal threats of rape are no less harmful than physical violence. They can create fear, anxiety and feelings of powerlessness.
Being sexually exploited while drunk
If you are drunk or under the influence of drugs, you cannot legally give consent. Taking advantage of someone in such a state constitutes sexual violence.
Being coerced or manipulated into sharing intimate images of yourself
It is a form of digital sexual violence where your partner or others can threaten, pressure or manipulate you into sharing intimate images or videos. It is a serious invasion of privacy and can have far-reaching consequences. You can read more about digital violence here.
Sharing intimate photos without your consent
Sharing your intimate images without your permission is a gross violation of your privacy and can cause great damage to your mental and emotional health.
Experiencing sexual violence in a relationship is a traumatic experience that can leave deep scars on the soul. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Ellested Women's Crisis Centre and other organizations are here to support you in leaving the abusive situation and help you process the trauma you have experienced. You have the right to live a life free from fear and violence, and we are here to help you achieve that.

Sexual harassment in a relationship

Sexual abuse is often part of a bigger picture of power and control in an abusive relationship. It is used as a means to further oppress and manipulate you. Sexual abuse can also be a way to erode your self-esteem, making it easier for the abuser to maintain control. Sexual abuse in a relationship is a serious violation of boundaries and trust and is unacceptable in a healthy relationship. It can involve unwanted sexual contact and comments, pressure for non-consensual sexual activity, coercion or manipulation in sexual matters, and degrading or humiliating sexual treatment of one's partner.

Sexual harassment in a relationship is devastating as it can lead to emotional damage, low self-esteem and trauma for the offended party. It's important to understand that while it doesn't necessarily include physical violence, it can still have serious consequences for mental and emotional wellbeing. It is important to understand that any form of non-consensual sexual behavior is unacceptable and a violation of one's boundaries. Victims of sexual harassment should never feel that they deserve or have to tolerate such behavior. It is not the victim's fault and there is help and support available for those who experience sexual harassment.

Sexual assault in relationships

Sexual assault is a more serious form of sexual violence where coercion or force is used to compel someone to engage in sexual acts without their consent. It can take the form of a one-off event or repeated abuse over time. Sexual assault is a reality that can have profound physical and psychological consequences for victims, yet it is often a hidden and under-reported crime, primarily due to feelings of guilt, shame and fear.

The consequences of sexual assault are severe and often debilitating. The physical injuries that can occur as a result of the assault can be painful and require medical treatment. However, it is often the psychological and emotional wounds that are the most devastating. If you are/have been sexually assaulted in your relationship, you are at risk of experiencing:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Victims of sexual assault can develop PTSD, which manifests as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and a constant feeling of fear and dread.
Depression
The feelings of guilt, shame and helplessness can lead to severe depression that can affect a person's ability to function in daily life.
Self-esteem issues
Victims of sexual assault can experience a breakdown in self-esteem and confidence, as they often blame themselves for what happened.
Social isolation
Many victims of sexual assault withdraw from social connections as they feel ashamed and afraid of being judged.
Sexual challenges and insecurities
Sexual assault can lead to a range of sexual problems, including lack of desire, pain during sex and problems with intimacy.
Abuse of euphoriant substances
In an attempt to overcome the above-mentioned consequences, some victims try to numb the pain and trauma by abusing drugs or alcohol.
It's important to remember that sexual assault is never your fault. Regardless of the circumstances, the perpetrator is responsible.

When is it abuse?

Fundamentally, any consensual sexual relationship requires all parties involved to be in agreement and aware of their actions. If consent is not present, or if you have been coerced, manipulated or threatened, it constitutes sexual assault.

Ellestedet women's crisis center supports victims of violence

If you or someone you know has experienced violence or threats of violence from a close relative, Ellested Women's Crisis Center is here for you. We are a safe women's shelter with 20 beds for women and their children and pets, if any. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for those who need protection and help during a difficult time.

We are here for you!

Our skilled and dedicated team is here to provide you with emergency protection and support. We listen without judgment and work with you to help you get out of the abusive situation and rebuild your life. If you feel your life is threatened or are afraid of what the future might bring, don't hesitate to contact us. Our 24/7 service means you can contact us at any time, and we are always ready to listen and help.

Ellested Women's Crisis Center is by your side, ready to help you on your path to a safer and healthier future. You are not alone and help is available. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to create a world without violence.


DO YOU NEED HELP?

CALL NOW: 51 15 65 66

We are a temporary home. A women's crisis center for women and children who have experienced violence.

You can contact us - around the clock.

We listen to you. Together we will find out if a stay with us is a good solution for you. We can give you advice and guidance on what you can do in your situation.

We can help you with legal assistance, help you clarify your employment, career or challenges at work. We can help you with visitation arrangements or anything else that may weigh heavily on your close relationships.
I et voldeligt forhold er det ikke kun de fysiske skader, der forårsager den mest langvarige smerte. Økonomisk vold er en skjult form for overgreb, der kan have dybtgående og ødelæggende konsekvenser for dem, der udsættes for det. Men hvad er økonomisk vold, hvordan manifesterer det sig, og hvordan kan Ellestedet hjælpe dig, hvis du er fanget i et mønster af økonomisk kontrol og manipulation? Læs mere på ellestedet.dk#ellestedet #kvindekrisecenterfyn  #voldmodkvinde #økonomiskvold
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"Ellestedet has meant everything to me. I have really gotten professional help. I have been protected. My stressed-out body has been given time and peace to calm down. I have been pampered with food and massage, and the staff are there for you night and day. I wish that those who are sitting at home in an abusive marriage dare to take the step to come here"From a woman ❤️#Ellestedet #kvindekrisecenter #liveftervold #kvinder #kvindekrisecenterfyn
Today is Women's Day, and of course we celebrate it at Ellestedet in our own quiet way. Country singer Maj-Britt Nikolajsen from Funen will stop by with her guitar and her warm voice to soften our hearts. The music reminds us how strong we are when we support and help each other in a difficult time #Ellestedet #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #kvindekrisecenterfyn #supportwomen
Are you a good hairdresser or do you know someone who is? We are looking for a volunteer hairdresser who will come once in a while and trim the locks of the women who stay with us for a longer period of time and who therefore need a little work on the outside to feel better on the inside.  If this is you or someone you know, we would love to hear from you #Ellestedet #hairdresser #women's crisis center #volunteer #contact #kvinderkrisecenterfyn
Our graphic designer has been busy decorating the office corridor with reading material about the spiral of violence, the different forms of violence and what values Ellestedet stands for in our work to empower women to live a life without violence. #Ellestedet #women's crisis center #livudenvold #women
We wave goodbye to another woman and say thank you for being the right place for her to hibernate.Now she has been celebrated with cake and clapped out the door by us and all the other women at Ellestedet. Much stronger and happier than when she arrived #Ellestedet #Thank you #vitakkerdig #kvinderkrisecenterfyn
Last Friday, we went on a journey towards the sun in the heliotropic universe in Module 5 of the program, which is also part of the project of the same name: A natural approach to working with vulnerable people. This time, light was shed on how a positive and constructive ontology and habitus is the necessary driving force that makes it possible to work persistently, caringly and effectively in relational/social work, including with the knowledge and tools that have been in play in the previous modules. We gained insight into our thought streams, negativity bias and how to actively influence the brain to think more positively and constructively. All of this is crucial when working with other people, as well as for the work environment and, of course, your own well-being and development as an employee/person. It was intense, thought-provoking and relevant. We ended and left with the feeling of having opened up something very important, which now needs to be allowed to grow stronger and stronger. We are now looking forward to 6 months of exploring the themes from the 5 modules and slowly integrating it into our work at Ellestedet, for the benefit of our residents.Together with our partner Natur og Eksistens, we will continuously update from this process via SoMe, but if you are more curious about the program and the project it is part of, you are more than welcome to contact us. #Ellestedet #Women's Crisis Center #krisecenterfyn #naturogeksistens
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