United Kingdom

Case study - Beth

From being just seven, Beth often ran away from home for short periods to be away from her stepfather, who sexually abused her. At ten years old, Beth left the family home for good after boarding a train to London without a ticket. It felt scary, but Beth preferred this to being at home. Beth soon came to the attention of social services, and she told them about the abuse at home. She was taken to a foster placement and then eventually placed in a children's home.

By the time Beth was fourteen, she was running away with other children from the home. Whilst away, Beth and the others stole food and alcohol. Sometimes they slept rough or in the homes of adults who offered them a place to stay. Beth would take hard drugs and drink large amounts of alcohol. One time, Beth met an older man who became her boyfriend. Although loving at first, he soon became abusive and forced Beth to sell herself on the streets. Beth was too frightened to tell the staff in the children's home about what was happening.

Since leaving the YOI Beth does not have a proper place to live, and sometimes when she has no money, sells sex on the streets. This brings up painful memories of being abused, but is her way of surviving. Beth would like her life to be different but is reluctant to go for help in case it lands her in trouble.