Nichola’s Story

Nicola’s story – the impact of gangs and peer pressure

I was just 14 when I get involved with an older group of people.

My mum wasn’t around that much, and dad was always drunk and spent most of his time internet dating. So I got involved with people outside school - they drink and do drugs and helped me to forget about my rubbish home life.

I was drinking already when I met them, but there was lots of pressure to take drugs too. I got money from dad, but then I needed more drugs and didn’t have enough money.

But my mates said it was Ok, and introduced me to a new boy in the group, who fancied me. It was only after I’d slept with him that I realised I’d been set up and it was in payment for the drugs. But I needed the drugs so started sleeping with anyone who could pay for it. I needed the drugs to escape. No one cared for me and no one was looking out for me.

Yes, I am scared, but don’t know how I can change things.

I blame my parents. And how school expelled me. Now I’m stuck, and can’t tell anyone. Who can I tell? There’s no way I can stop by myself. These pick on vulnerable, lonely girls, just like me.