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For a victim of sexual violence

You can get help from sexual violence crisis centers if you have had sexual intercourse for which you could not give consent, you have been raped or you suspect you have been raped, or you have been forced to do other acts of sexual content, regardless of your gender or age.

Sexual violence is rape, threatening it, but also, for example, forced touching.

Sexual violence is also when someone scares you into having sex with them. In other words, sexual violence is when someone does something sexual to you against your will.

It is also sexual violence if you could not give your consent to intercourse, for example, you felt scared, you were drugged, drunk or asleep.

Sexual violence is a crime and you don't have to feel guilty.

The responsibility for sexual violence lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. 

What to do?

You can get help from sexual violence crisis centers if:

  • sexual intercourse has taken place, for which you could not give your consent;
  • you have been raped or you suspect you have been raped; 
  • you are forced to perform other sexually explicit acts, regardless of your gender or age.

In the sexual violence crisis center:

  • you will be heard
  • you will be supported and advised
  • you will be offered a medical examination with collection of evidence, in case you want to contact the police later
  • if necessary, you will be offered a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other specialist
  • you will be offered contraceptives
  • you will be offered preventive treatment against HIV and hepatitis B
  • you will be supported if you want to contact the police
  • examinations and treatment are free
  • you can also get help if you don't remember what happened to you, but you suspect sexual violence

Contact the crisis center as soon as possible after sexual violence has occurred!

If you have been sexually assaulted without your consent within the last seven days, seek help from sexual violence crisis centers. Come alone or with a companion, no matter what time and without a referral, you don't have to go to the police. You are welcome even if you don't remember what happened to you.

Contacts of crisis assistance centers

  • emergency reception at the women's clinic of the West Tallinn Central Hospital; address: Sõle 23, Tallinn,
    reception room phone 5342 4724
  • Ida-Viru Central Hospital; address Ilmajaama 12, Kohtla-Järve, entry via EMO, duty nurse of the gynecology department, tel. 331 1041
  • Pärnu Hospital, Ristiku 1, Pärnu, entry via EMO,
    on-call gynecologist tel. 447 3505
  • Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu, entry via EMO,
    duty nurse of the gynecology department, tel. 731 9954
  • If the sexual violence happened more than 7 days ago, then ask for advice from the victim support helpline 116 006 or contact the victim support worker at your place of residence.

NB!

  • If you are in danger, please go to a place where you are safe and secure. In an emergency, you can call 112.
  • If you have serious injuries and need urgent medical attention, call the emergency number 112.
  • Do not wash, do not change clothes!
    • For the sake of gathering evidence, it is imperative not to wash or change clothes, although such an inner need may arise. When asking for help, take a change of clothes with you. However, if you have changed your clothes, keep the clothes you were wearing (including underwear) unwashed, preferably in a paper bag.
  • Contact a sexual violence crisis center as soon as possible.
  • In sexual violence crisis centers, all actions are performed with your consent and at your request. After providing first aid, the physician will calls you back for a follow-up examination to check your physical and mental health. This way you can share your feelings, find help in restoring the daily rhythm and better understand what happened to you. 
  • After first aid, you will be offered counseling and support by a victim support worker. If necessary, you can also contact the women's support center to get safe accommodation. You can go to the women's support center with your children.
  • If you have experienced sexual violence, you and your family members have the opportunity to receive mental health care supporting recovery from trauma if needed.

Are you a rape victim or have you been threatened with it? Sexual violence is a crime and you don't have to feel guilty. The responsibility for sexual violence lies with the perpetrator, not the victim.

It is never too late to seek help after experiencing sexual violence.

Sexual violence is a devastating experience that can affect one's life for a very long time. Even after the initial shock has passed, the incident can sometimes be suddenly return to you memory. You may experience a feeling of isolation, self-blame, fear, the need to deny what happened. You may have problems in sexual relations. You may find it difficult to concentrate on continuing your studies or working at your current job. These reactions are completely normal in your situation. If you feel that they are starting to overwhelm you and interfere with your daily life too much, seek relief from a loved one or a professional helper. 

One way to help is to join a support group. With the implementation of the new victim assistance law from April 1, 2023, support groups in the victim assistance system will become part of the mental health services supporting recovery from trauma. A support group is a group of people who share common experiences or concerns and offer emotional and moral support to each other. The purpose of support groups is to support people who have experienced sexual violence in coping with their daily lives, offering the opportunity to deal with issues and topics important to group members in a safe and supported environment, with the help of professional group leaders. 

If you have experienced sexual violence, you and your family members have the opportunity to receive mental health care to support recovery from trauma.

Since 2019, the Social Insurance Board has financed and supported support groups for victims of sexual violence within the framework of services aimed at victims of sexual violence. As of 2023, the Social Insurance Board is ready to sign contracts with service providers who want to conduct support groups, including support groups for adults who have experienced sexual violence.

For more detailed information about the possibilities to use the support group service, please contact the victim support worker or write to [email protected].

If sexual violence has occurred in the past:

  • contact the counselor of the victim assistance helpline at 116 006
  • also consult with a victim support worker regarding psychological counseling and therapy options or to contact a support group
  • if you want to register for a support group for those who have experienced sexual violence, contact the victim support worker or write to [email protected]. You can join a support group that suits you

Last updated: 16.02.2024

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