Jordan had recently come out to their family and, tragically, faced rejection and hostility at home. With nowhere safe to stay, they became vulnerable to exploitation. A group of older peers or adults offered a place to sleep and food, presenting themselves as supportive and trustworthy. At first, it felt like relief a temporary refuge from the stress, fear, and rejection they experienced at home.
However, the situation quickly turned coercive. The exploiters used their housing insecurity as leverage, pressuring them into criminal activity, sexual exploitation, and other unsafe situations. Jordan was afraid to refuse, as they had nowhere else to go and feared being homeless. ” I felt trapped, isolated, and invisible.” -unsure who they could trust or how to access support without putting themselves in more danger.
Getting support
The combination of family rejection, social stigma, and coercion left Jordan deeply anxious and fearful. They avoided authorities and struggled to confide in anyone about what was happening, feeling that no one would understand or care. However, when a case worker told Jordan about the charity, they were able to talk about what they were going through without fear of getting in trouble. Over several conversations with our Helpline team, Jordan planned a way to safety.
Support is here for you
The combination of family rejection, social stigma, and coercion left Jordan deeply anxious and fearful. He avoided authorities and struggled to confide in anyone about what was happening, feeling that no one would understand or care. If you’re struggling with how you feel, and feel like escaping your current situation, talk to SafeCall first.
