Case Study: Megan's Story

I was put in care and moved around different foster families, about 15 or 16 times. I didn’t know how to cope so I kept running away.

Then I met someone called Nick. I loved him. I would go to his house every day.  Nick was 25. I felt weird about it but he was the only person I had in my life.

He came and found me on my 15th birthday when he wasn’t supposed to. Our relationship continued and it became an awful thing. He was threatening, told me that if I didn’t get him drugs, he would beat me. I thought he loved me.

When you’re in care and you’ve been ripped away from your family, it feels like everyone lets you down and nobody wants you. So when there is love on offer, you grab it.  And you don’t let go of it no matter what.

Have you experienced what Megan’s been through?

Relationship abuse and being pressured into sexual activity you don’t feel comfortable with is never OK. Remember it wasn’t your fault and there was nothing you could have done to prevent it, don’t blame yourself.

Try and find someone you trust to talk to. It doesn’t have to be someone in authority, just someone who you feel comfortable talking to. There are also organisations who can give you help and support – find out more here.