Info
Lonelineness
Everything you need to know about...
You feel alone. Because you have been betrayed. Because you thought you could trust someone. Because you feel like no one understands you. Because you found it scary to send intimate pictures. Because you are afraid that others will find out. Because you are afraid that everyone will see your pictures. What can you do?
At first, I didn't talk about it much. When I started talking to people and they said, "I'm here for you", I was a lot less harsh with myself.
- Yara
Loneliness can make you prefer to stay quiet, to withdraw, or avoid contact with others out of fear and shame. It isn’t strange that you feel lonely and you're not alone. Many people who have experienced(online) sexual abuse feel isolated and don'tknow how to move on. The loneliness you experience can also be related to the feeling that you are on your own. The feeling of not being understood and loneliness often go hand in hand.
What can you do if you feel lonely?
Write about it
It can feel good to write down what happened and write about your feelings. This can be a first step to disclosing the experience with people around you. You can write down your story by clicking on the button below. You can choose to keep your written story to yourself or to share it (anonymously) on our story page. Almost 300 others have gone before you.
Tell someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust can bring relief. This way you know that you don't have to do it alone.
Good to remember
Please know that it is not your fault: you did nothing wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of. The person who shames, threatens, blackmails, or abuses you is the one at fault. Also know that the person who is blackmailing or threatening you will not keep their promises. Therefore, do not send any more images, do not agree to meet, and do not transfer any money.
People who can help you
If you don’t have anyone in your surroundings you can or dare to talk to, you can ask questions or chat anonymously with a professional from Centrum Seksueel Geweld, Fier, and Helpwanted. Together you can figure out what your next step could be.
