Pearl

Pearl's childhood was shaped by her parents' drug use, separation and unsafe homes. At six, she experienced abuse while living with relatives. The court did not believe she understood what had happened, and she was denied justice.

Moving between households did not bring consistent protection. Pearl describes being threatened with institutional care and, as a teenager, taking on cooking, caring for her sister and managing her mother's emotional needs. Her autism was not met with the understanding she needed.

Later, a family move disrupted her education and left her unable to afford the journey back to college. When she tried to build financial independence or refused requests for money, she was treated as a bad daughter.

She eventually completed a social work degree and wants to help people who have experienced difficulties of their own. She has stopped contact with her mother and is working to build a life with more choice and safety.

The effects of trauma remain, including panic and very dark days. Knitting, baking, reading and games are also parts of her life. Pearl wants others to recognise the child who needed protection, and the adult who has worked hard to create something different.