When leaving didn’t feel like an option 

I was already connected to a gang when things started to feel overwhelming. Being part of it came with expectation around loyalty, and once you were involved, it didn’t feel easy to leave. There was constant pressure to do what was expected and fear about what might happen if I didn’t. I was asked to move weapons and drugs between places and stay involved in situations that felt dangerous. Violence was always close, and there were threats if I didn’t cooperate. Money played a big part in keeping me involved. I often felt confused and trapped.  

So, I decided to ask for help.  

How I got out

I started having weekly conversations which have me space to speak honestly about the pressure I was under and my desire to leave. I didn’t feel judged or rushed. As trust grew, I was supported to think about my safety and what it would mean to step away. I was encouraged to focus on education, training and work. Having ongoing support helped me stay focused on building a more stable future. Even when there was moment of temptation to return because of money, those conversations helped me pause and think differently. I am now in training and employed, focusing on building a future that feels safer.