In their words

Lucy’s story

I didn’t have the best start in life… my family abused me and I was raped by strangers. School was really difficult and by 12 I’d stopped going. I was taken into care and had loads of carers who said they couldn’t cope with me.

Then I went to children’s homes… some were far away from my own home. I got involved with older men who I thought would be my friend or love me; they gave me alcohol and drugs and I could stay with them and not go back to the unit. I had sex with them.

Social Services said I was putting myself at risk so they put me in a secure unit, but when I got out I did the same things – this happened three times.

The last time I was there I met someone from Barnardo’s. Since I got out I’ve lived in five places. I’ve tried college, but I didn’t like it. My Barnardo’s worker keeps in touch and is helping me to stay in one place and keep myself safe.