If you feel isolated in what happened to you, please know how many people quietly share this experience — and how much steadier it can feel to reach for support.
One of the cruelest things about sexual violence is how isolating it can feel — as if you're the only one, as if no one could understand. We want to gently push back on that feeling, not to minimize what happened to you, but to remind you that countless people share this experience and are walking their own paths of healing right now.
You are part of a community you never asked to join, and yet it's a community that believes you and welcomes you exactly as you are.
Large national studies make clear just how widespread sexual violence is. These numbers aren't meant to alarm — they're meant to lift the weight of feeling singular and ashamed.
If these numbers feel surprising, it's largely because survivors so often stay quiet — out of shame, fear, self-blame, or simply not feeling safe to speak. Most don't come forward right away, and many never do.
That silence can make each survivor feel alone, even though they're surrounded by others carrying similar weight. Naming how common this is helps break that isolation.
It's easy to worry that you'd be 'bothering' someone, or that your experience isn't 'bad enough' to warrant help. Please let that worry go. Support lines and advocates exist precisely for you, no matter what happened or how long ago. You are never a burden for needing care.
Reaching out can be small and private. You can call anonymously, chat online, or text. You don't have to share your name, tell your whole story, or decide anything.
Whenever you're ready — today, next month, or someday — support is here and it's free.
You were heard the moment you started reading this, and you are believed. What happened was not your fault, you are not alone in it, and there are caring people ready whenever you decide to reach out.
There's no rush and no wrong way to take the next small step — even if that step is simply being kind to yourself today.
This is supportive information, not legal or medical advice. If you need someone now, the RAINN hotline is 800-656-4673 — free and confidential, 24/7.
Very common, though often hidden. National data (CDC NISVS) indicate about 1 in 5 women and more than 1 in 6 men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetimes, and experts believe these figures are undercounts.
No. Hotlines and advocates exist specifically to support survivors, no matter what happened or when. You are never a burden for needing care, and you can reach out anonymously.
Yes. The organization 1in6 provides free, confidential support designed for men and boys, including trans and non-binary survivors. The RAINN hotline (800-656-4673) supports survivors of all genders.
That's completely okay. There's no deadline. You can simply read, be gentle with yourself, and reach out whenever you feel ready — the support will still be here.
Share only what feels okay. We’ll gently connect you with confidential support — no pressure, no cost.
Someone caring will reach out within a day. If you need to talk now, RAINN is here 24/7 at 800-656-4673.