Macie’s story
Teenhood should be a time to build connections and explore who you are. But for many teens, it’s lonely, and missing that vital sense of belonging. That’s what it was like for Macie – and it became perilous.
Lacking meaningful connections
Lacking meaningful connections
Macie was struggling to make friends, leaving her feeling lonely, isolated, and like she simply had no place in the world. She sometimes got overwhelmed by the intensity of the emotions she felt, and would self-harm as a way to cope.
When I got overwhelmed, sometimes my brain would go in a very bad way and I would self-harm. I got put in the hospital.
Seeking friendship online
In a bid to find friends and ease her loneliness, Macie went online, which seemed like a safe and welcoming place. She met Jordan, and began chatting to him regularly. He talked to her about her day and gave her support. Macie finally felt like she’d found someone she could talk to.
But, unknown to Macie, Jordan was using coercive behaviour to manipulate her into trusting him.
Jordan put the idea in my head that my mum and no one liked me, and kind of persuaded me to leave home.
Missing from home
The hold that Jordan had over Macie was strong, and she believed him when he said he was the only person who really cared about her. He manipulated Macie into leaving home multiple times.
Macie’s mum was very worried about her. She took Macie’s phone away to try to stop Jordan talking to her. But he always found a way. When Macie went missing, her mum contacted the police to help find her.
Lacking meaningful connections
Increasingly dangerous situations
Tricked into believing Jordan was her boyfriend, Macie travelled 60 miles alone, without her phone, to meet him. When she got there, Jordan was with a group of older men that Macie had not met before. She started to feel uncomfortable – but was worried about upsetting him.
I did feel like I wanted to go home, but also I didn't want to make him upset.
Bring home, and inform the police
Macie was taken to a house where she saw sexually explicit videos and people using drugs. Other, younger, girls came and went while she was there too. After two days at the house – without anything to eat — Macie was taken to Jordan’s house.
Thankfully, her mum was then able to find her, bring her home, and inform the police.
Long-term, specialist support
Macie was referred to one of our specialist exploitation services, where she met Andy, a support worker. He worked to understand, from her perspective, what had happened to her, why she had gone missing, and what support she needed to stop her from going missing again.
“My worker was very friendly and very nice to be around. He made me feel comfortable.”
Every week for nine months, Andy and Macie met, giving Macie the consistent, stable connection she'd been missing. They would talk about different topics, like what exploitation is, and how abusers target and groom young people like her.
This caring, judgement free support allowed Macie to explore what had happened to her, and to feel safe again. She was then able to break free from Jordan.
Lacking meaningful connections
A future full of hope
Today, Macie is close to her mum and her family again. She feels safe – and that she can make informed decisions about who she interacts with online and in person.
She no longer feels the need to self-harm, and enjoys expressing herself creatively through drawing, writing, and making bracelets. She is currently looking for a part-time job, and one day hopes to be a flight attendant.
Macie wants to share her experiences
Macie wants to share her experiences in the hope that it helps other young people stay safe and have their voices heard.
It’s the staff that makes The Children’s Society special. They’re very welcoming and they’re very open to listening to you.
Donate today
When young people need somewhere safe to turn, we're there. And we stay by their side for as long as they need us, helping them heal, rebuild their confidence, and recognise warning signs so they can stay safe in future. Help keep teens like Macie safe by donating today.
