Samantha Morton: I was sexually abused as a child in care homes | Guardian Interviews
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- Following revelations of child sex abuse in Rotherham, actor and director Samantha Morton felt the need to go public about her own shocking experience growing up in care homes in Nottingham. Here she talks for the first time about being sexually abused by residential care workers, and what happened when she went to the police about it.
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There are no worse crimes than crimes against children.
l totally agree, l live in belfast growing up when there was a peadophile in the community he was tied up and the ira would take him away, now they know there protected here because these groups cant touch them, there everywere
@@danielinnicg2114 How could you look at a child and not want to love and protect them ? I don't understand how a grown man or woman could be so evil.
Glynna Schmehl Children and animals..there should be death penalty.
What about the unborn?
@@glynnaschmehl200 - you ask 'how'? You usually have to go back in time, sometimes many generations back in time, in each 'evil' person's family, to discover the answer to that. Because the one who was abused becomes the abuser. If you grew up in a family or a 'home' or any environment where you were not loved and protected, how would you then know how to love and protect? It's very very simple, there's no complexity to it. For each of those who abuse there will be someone who abused THEM - and these abusers are almost always closely connected in some way to the child. Sexual, physical, mental, or emotional - ALL types of child abuse are extremely damaging. And it should be, and COULD be, very very avoidable. Besides putting in place FAR better protections for our most vulnerable (our children), we must teach 'empathy'.... because pretty much all abusers lack empathy. Empathy must be taught from a very early age, it's not instinctive, we are not born with it. This teaching usually comes from parents. And if a parent LACKS empathy, how can they TEACH empathy? They can't! So teaching empathy should be a 'must' in every school, at every grade level, from nursery school onwards.
So terribly terribly tragic.
Samantha Morton is a warrior. She is incredibly strong.
No one cares about us men though, people only feel for women,, I've been jailed for exposing it here in West London
@@cptdrakkar2445 no one should be abused.
@@cptdrakkar2445 Speaking up is important. Your people, the native people of this continent, are born wrong.
she is incredibly strong and brave and beutiful. she has the bravery of a butterfly flying agaisnt the wind
This interviewer is terrible. Samantha is very brave.
Sarreas omg, I was thinking the same thing. It almost seems as if he doesn't believe her, which is terrible if that's the case.
Insensitive and ignorant interviewer
Completely agree. So much love for how she handles the interview. I don't actually think he disbelieves her, but the angle (and tone) he takes is often naive, and she still somehow manages to give this incredibly clear, well-considered, nuanced testimony.
How exactly? Let me guess, you think he's terrible because he said "What are you talking about?" which is exactly what I was thinking, as she made no sense.
She said she was in multiple homes because her dad couldn't cope by himself.
She said Red Tiles was the 1st home she was in.
So he asks "You weren't abused then?"
She replies "Yes I was"
He asks "Was it by members of staff?" and "Was this the 1st time you were abused?"
To which she replies "No it wasn't"...
And immediately changes it to "Oh yes I was by staff, but I was abused by other people before then"
Then carries on talking about the home, without answering the 2nd question.
Who were the people who abused her *before* she went into the *1st* home?
If it wasn't her dad or family, who was it?
Was it family friends?
Was it the social workers who visited her at home?
Who knows as she never answered the question.
Well, he never actually asked that question.
Interviewer: But you weren't abused there [at Red Tiles]?
Morton: I was abused there, yeah.
I: Sexually abused there?
M: --yes, I was, yeah.
I: Was that by members of staff abu[sing]...?
M: --yes.
I: And was that the first time you'd been sexually abused by members of...
M: --no it wasn't.
Oh b- wha-sorry, by members of staff? Yeah. I'd been abused by other people before then. And maybe that's what makes those children vulnerable, huh? Maybe that's that's what makes you the one that they go after... maybe. I don't know.
I: And it was members of staff...
M: Yes.
I: ...abusing you
M: --residential social workers, yeah.
She doesn't change her story, and actually answers all his questions. The conversation is quite focused on the experience of abuse in care homes, which, to give credit to the interviewer, it probably should be, as that's what Samantha Morton came forward to talk about. She doesn't owe it to anyone to talk about who abused her before she went to Red Tiles. She certainly already makes a very strong point about abuse in care homes without doing that.
You are speaking up for the child still inside you. Not a minimal feat. Keep being brave, she needs you to speak.
This is the best I have read about speaking up as an adult about being abused as a child. Thank you so much.
Tears yes, yes she does. much love.
Interviewer is really unlikeable. He interrupted her too often. It felt wrong.
And she is just unbelievably lovely, dignified, and graceful.
yeah totally
I was really tired of the interviewer trying to speak over her
He is a rotten interviewer no doubt
There is a quality to his speaking that is creepy.
"The forgotten children of the forgotten people" - well said.
Absolutely, there are hundreds of millions of children in the world right now who are forgotten. Child brides. Child soldiers. Victims of bombings, drones, famines, you name it. And what are the rich and powerful doing to stop it? Nothing. They are the ones plunderign the wealth from third world nations, dropping bombs and sending drones.These things ARE avoidable. WE CAN CHANGE IT. The powerless in Cambodia, Iran, Myanmar, Kenya, Ga,bia, Syria - THEY ARE US. WE need to defend each other because the people who run the world do not care.
these countries are destroying themselves from within with their constant civil wars and rebel activities eye I'm sick of white people being blamed for black on black violence. It's not white people recruiting child soldiers in Africa or who were responsible for Isis or the Taliban but we're expected to pick up the pieces. We are constantly told we need to take in more refugees when the number of homeless people in Scotland is the biggest it's been in a hundred years and 30% of children in Britain live below the poverty line, don't you think the government should be helping those people first before worrying about other countries?
@@starrchild7061 the government are satanic pedophiles. We are all in thid together us lot down here so lets all stick together and fight the top
I was in the care system and abused..i was abused off family before i went there and then in the care home.....thank god people like Samantha Morten speak up.....and she's right it's vulnerable kids they go after
Dolly Flop x
ln which town?
@@mgmxxx St Helens in Greater Manchester a place named "Blackbrook House School for girls"....why? what made you ask this?
Yes. Sigh
@@cloudydays6277 Yes???
I’ve always thought there was something really sad about her.
Similar sensation here, I sadly know her for only 2 roles: Mary Lou Barebone from fantastic beasts(abusive mother) and now another abusive mother in the walking dead..so I found that quite strange so I had to look her up and I find it weird and sad that she plays those roles considering her past, brilliant actress nonetheless
Aw :/ yeah! I know
@@spartanxander-0476 purhaps to understand and raise awareness that evil happens with those who are meant to nurture :/ I know they do
Thats so sad and horrific. She had nobody and must have been so lonely at that time. She turned her life around and doesn't let her upbringing affect how she brings up her own children. She is a survivor. If she has written or writes an autobiography I would love to read it. :( :( x x
Interviewer a bit of a knob. Well done Samantha for letting people know about this.
Yeah he interrupts a lot
And still this is all brushed under the carpet in 2021!! Social services is disgraced and they get away with it time after time. No jail time for any of these vile people.
I have always been madly in love with Samantha. It is heart breaking to think she and others have been subjected to this abuse while the authorities did nothing to protect them.
I like her. I like her face, her grunginess, her honesty.
I like you for liking all those things about her!
She has those real eyes. I'm amazed she's held onto her beauty inside and out in spite of all of the ugliness she's gone through.
back in the eighties making a complaint about abusers in childrens homes gets you even more abuse .
:(
She had real guts to tell the interviewer she didn’t want to talk about a certain thing, most people would feel pressure but she is so strong and do brave ❤️❤️❤️
Feels like some interviewers or voyeurs!
I was sexually abused also in care in London in the late 70s. It needs to be spoken about so things change. We need to evolve the sexual abuse of children and allow them the right to speak and their experience not be minimised.
It has changed I can only speak for England but people don't get abused in the care system anymore
@@steviegynwa1490 two questions, from what actual date did it stop and how do you know it has stopped in the whole of England
@@autumnmasbro6022 well I grew up in kids homes all over England and no 100s of people who I met through that experience and no 1 was abused but I also know alot of people who was abused in the same care home but 10 to 15 years before obviously I can't give dates but it don't happen anymore kids homes are now small and protected unless your asking because you know otherwise I can only speak of years of experience.
@@steviegynwa1490 Bol locks!
I know.
this interviewer needs to do some basic research on first, interview techniques and second, sexual abuse. asking what sexual acts were done shows he's more than just a bit of a perv.
Absolute. Why? It is a tough topic but frankly who needs to be so polite and vague? Like watching paint dry. Get to it!
@@tonygilder7912 Is the point of the interview to get Morton's perspective on the abuse or to hear what the abuse consisted of?
I was sexually abused as a child as well as my brother, by a relative that was babysitting us. He was our cousin and about 13 years old. It was devastating. We were threatened that if we said anything, he would tell our parents that we were bad. I didn't tell my parents until I was 15. I feel for her, seeing the sadness in her eyes as she talks about it. She's so brave and strong.
I hope you’re doing well.
@@MetaMortis21 Thank you. I am doing well. 💖
This is a strong, beautiful and intelligent person. In stark contrast to the monsters she describes.
What a painful story to see, Samantha is an incredible, amazing actress and it hurts to see someone like her had to endure such pain. :(
She is amazing. Nobody should ever have to go through that
I was sexually abused started at age 3 by my dad. Went on many years also by uncles and other family members on both sides. At age 13 I wad strong enough to put a stop to it. Because of it I was very sexually active. I never blamed myself for any of it. Always talked about what I went through and didn't care who belived me or not. I am 61 now and going th3 PTSD trement
Rachel Welch you have your whole life ahead of you now 🖼
Your not alone x JESUS Christ loves you
💔 so sorry
I know how you feel. I was abused at early age too by many people and family members. I'm constantly depressed, have anxiety and have pstd. I did speak out when i was 15 but everyone blamed me. Smh. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger💪
Rachel Welch I'm so sorry, you're so brave to live through all that. Well wishes to you.
I salute Samantha speaking so courageously and openly about her experience of historical sexual abuse endured and by 'the so called professionals' who perpetrated it who were being paid to protect her paradoxically..
Samantha Morton is a beautiful talented actress whom I respect and love her work. She has now directed her first film "the unloved" which is on you tube here to watch too.
you should watch the movie she directed about her live called the unloved
Wonderfully frank no bs Samanta Morton. Great talent as well.
Woah.. This is really brave of her to come out with this. It's important for society to remember that although there are a great many people who take on careers devoted to children, those same professions and environments attract peodophiles
A brave woman, a resilient person, and a very good actor. I read about how she overcame the many challenges in her early life. I admire and respect her for her courage and other good qualities.
Fantastically brave of her. Hopefully this will help to give others the strength to come forward and testify. Together they can make a real difference, make justice happen for the crimes they suffered and reduce the chances of it happening to others.
I was in the same children's home as her 😕 it was the worst place ever to live.... staff had there own brothers come to take the girls away no one battered a eye lid
Clair Trevethick I'm so sorry, that's terrible. 😣
Thank you for speaking up I was sexually abused in a care home in London in the 70s.
This is just so so wrong . I am so sorry it happened it to all the kids in the world. I believe we ALL have been sexually abused at some point in our childhood.
Oh im so sorry to hear that.
It makes me sick to hear this, I’m sorry.
Can I just say - I have had wonderful counselors and social workers working with me...there are some who are good people then some who are....I guess jaded and turned off - maybe the feeling of powerlessness and seeing so many things desensitizes them. This happens in every profession working in these areas...teachers, nurses, doctors. I've met amazing ones and horrible ones. I remember a nurse treating me like I was scum because I had self harm scars...and I wasn't personally offended but I knew what I'd gone through and I had friends who'd gone through even worse - incest/sexual abuse from fathers and step fathers and I thought..."How does this person judge a person who self harmed knowing nothing about them? They could have been abused in the worst way and they have no empathy?"
christ :'( it's helpful to see someone so successful and respected speak out.
My dad...he terrorized me one night when I accidentally broke something. He went into a rage and chased me, kicked me, hit me - I knew he would have snapped my neck or killed me if I hadn't had the good sense to plain run away as far as I could. He was an angry man, he terrified me plenty of times. He let men with a history of sex abuse come close to me because they supplied him with drugs.. I was lucky my mom let RIP at my dad for this and threatened to call the police if those abusers ever came to my house again. She still left me with my dad for about a year after leaving him....I hated it, but finally my mom did let me come live with her once she'd got herself together and had a place for us.
Hope you are ok now, or at least trying to be.
I think a lot of children were abused and they never talked about it.
Rosalina 90 I'm sorry.
@@anybodycanart thank you.
Sarah Gregory And you know it wasn't you right. Some people were never meant to parent or be humans.
I have tried to call the Police several times to deal with my being abused, but always told nothing can be done because it happened so long ago and my main abuser is now dead. The Police also told me their Sexual Abuse department only has a Female Officer in that department, whose job it is to help Women and Girls. They've had that department for several years now, but still don't have a Male Officer, yet they assure the public that they help all victims.
There are support groups out there. Maybe type in the names of the homes where the abuse took place & take it from there.
she is so brave, saying it as it is. i take her as inspiration to speak truth
What about justice where are the ex-staff now ?
Thyre gonna be in hell
They are all probably still doing it
Dave Dogge my thoughts too, been watching docs about care homes and boarding schools on UA-cam, the worst pricks who got prison time were freed donkeys years ago which makes me think, where are they and what are they doing now !
Power corrupts, and people in power protect themselves.
A music teacher abused me at school when I was 5/6 years of age. I’m now 70 years of age and I can remember it like yesterday.
Samantha, you essentially not only educated us on the manipulation of abuse but also demonstated the grace of a ballerina in speaking with this unsenstitive putz of a journalist. What a tool! Thank You, Samantha for your candor and bravery!
She seems like a very brave and smart women... Go get em..
She had such hard childhood I'm glad she was able to find her passion in acting and a way to cope with all the abuse.
A very brave woman sending her hugs💗💗
you know what they say. The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success. This woman is an inspiration. Nothing but respect for her!
I wanted the interviewer to stop interrupting!
This breaks my heart, all she needed was to feel safe and stable and loved. As any child deserves!!! Not abused!
I'm a residential counselor and it's so sad and sick that anyone would abuse their position with kids that are vulnerable.
Would you cover up for your colleagues?
This is even more shocking considering that she plays Alpha in the walking dead. I wonder if, in a way, her horrific past is what encouraged her to take that tv role.
truth
Please tell me this guy isn't allowed to interview anyone anymore. She is such a wonderful actress, so much depth. So much talent and eloquence!
Thank you so much for telling your story of abuse. To many people it may seem unbelievable that people who were care workers abused you, When you tell about how no one believed you and you ended up being victimized because you had told the secret, I believe you completely. I have seen this happen over and over again and it is a wonder that you could tell your story at all. The amount of denial in society and the offender protective way that society deals with survivors of childhood sexual abuse astounds me. People are so naive when they advertise that all you need to do is tell an adult. A child blowing the whistle and telling on an offender is like a child dropping a bomb in a family or institution. I worked in a Native School and many of the kids in my class were sexually abused. When I reported it, I lost my job. I continued in my career to report sexual abuse and so many times I became a lightning rod for chaos and fear that ensues when abuse is reported. It was the elders and the chief of the tribe who were the abusers. This is nothing compared to what you went through, The fellow interviewing you was pretty incredulous about your revelations. He meant well, but still it is one more cut, to tell your story with
enormous courage and deep understanding of the many strands to the nightmare, only to be offered a bandaide for your pain. You speak for tens of thousands of survivors who have been minimized, belittled and shamed when they told the truth, What fierce beauty you have and what solace for other survivors and for those who try to get help for children who have been abused. Blessings to you,
She's such a strong, capable, talented, captivating woman. I'm so sorry she went through such horrific experiences. She's an inspiration. Truly. Much 💜 to her.
Why don't The Guardian report on the Melanie Shaw case?
Filthy guardian
My heart breaks. This is an amazing and brave woman.
If Samantha or other famous people could speak out about their abuse experiences it would add real power and gravitas to the cases going on in the UK at the moment, the ones that they are trying to bury. It would make more of the sheeple sit up and take notice.
Brave and inspiring x 💕 you are the lucky one to heal and move forward
Wow! On my own doorstep what a brave woman. Thankyou for shedding light on the care system
i think it was very brave for samantha to open up about the abuse she went through as a child there needs to be more awareness put out there xxxx
Very sorry to hear what she had to go through in her childhood. I love her as an actress and she does amazing work in all her roles! Thank you!
I didnt no she was british. Gosh most of the walking dead actors r british. Andrew Lincoln rick. Lennie james morgan. David Morrissey the governor. Tom payne jesus. Pollyanna McIntosh jadis. And samantha morton alpha. So amazing they can really change an accent
To acknowledge forgotten people and a forgotten society....... this lady must be remembered as a champion of forgotten souls.
Thank you for speaking out, so brave.
😔😔
Completely understand now the movie she wrote and directed,The Unloved.
It was heartbreaking to watch and I realize now what a personal project it was for her.
Much respect and admiration for your bravery in speaking up!
She is so brave and very open, it’s a shame that she got the wrong interviewer, he’s not listening just interrupting. Well done Samantha, a true advocate for children in care and a strong voice.
she is the strongest person i know. so so proud to know i’m looking up to one of the most genuine, strong, kindhearted women.
So precious and so strong and wise. Beautiful inside and out. Just lovely not to mention a fabulous actor. Thank you for sharing your story.
Samantha is clearly a great actor but also has a beautiful humanity shining in those lovely eyes.
Massive respect to this woman for speaking out so openly, saying it like it is and calling out those at the top and this insidious 'trickle down' effect. Question is, how do we begin to make it all change?
Your character in the new tv show bbc is so brilliant too !
She’s so brave for speaking out about this! It makes me do everything I can to stop things like this happening to children 😡
Great courage. Thank you.
People who committed and/ or permitted abuse of children need to be identified, disallowed to works with kids, elderly, animals, no living being should be exposed to such barbarity.
Thank you for sharing your story bravely.
She is a fantastic actress! The Walking Dead got very lucky to get her even though her southern accent needs some work.
A very brave ladie for speaking out my heart goes out to samantha & for been so strong
As a social worker myself I am appalled they never took action when Samantha confronted them about her abuse. And the fact that she was physically assaulted by one... This is all against code of ethics and just plain humanity. Social work training is all about advocacy and helping people. So sorry for your life experiences growing up Samantha.... Look at you now! So strong and successful! God bless you!
I am so glad you have spoken out Samantha , you are beyond brave. This will all come ahead soon it has too, and you being in the public eye will help. Your acting ability even way back when you made your first appearance was beyond your years in band of gold, and after hearing your story i realise you put every once of your life in to those roles , you have achieved so much and are many peoples voice now , i hope those people who committed those crimes are running scared , as they should be, you are not the vulnerable child anymore but the incredible beautiful classy, intelligent actress who has a voice that not only can be but will be heard
Samantha I never knew this about you but I've always felt an understanding towards you now I know why I too am a survivor thankyou for speaking out.
Great interview - very brave. I hope the social worker is no longer practicing...
At this time, likely is either some inmate "bitch", or comfortably enjoying retirement.
That's it???? Lose their jobs only, really?
Probably not now but many more to take his place, nothing changes..
Ty so much for a amazing reading Namaste peace and light to u..thanks again..
This happened to me in 2 different foster homes... I was 8 and 13. I still blame myself, especially for my abuse at 8 because I did something to cause it. I'm in my late 20s now but I still hate myself. I function every day like I haven't got a care in the world, but sometimes I allow myself to go back to that place and it's at those time (these times) that I pick each moment apart and wonder how I let those things happen.
never blame your self for the evil acts of others you were a child they where in the wrong not you. look forward not backwards and be all you can be
It's not your fault. You didn't know that person was a monster.
she looks so clever and so much resolute! and I think she's absolutely right, go see the numbers of lost children and ask yourself how that is possible.
BRAVO Samantha - A Very Brave & compelling interview!!!
How SAD is this to hear, so very sad !!!!! Sickenly sad !
Well, now I can clearly see and understand where she goes to bring out such brilliant performances. It must be very cathartic to transform that pain into something so beautiful, which is what she does in every scene.
She is amazing! her acting on the walking dead as Alpha has me in awe!
Such powerful words, she remains steady in wanting to described the very widespread problem of sexual abuse in every institution. This isn't some shock and awe where she give the gory details--this is a wake up-call! Also so well said, abuse is a life sentence and most abusers will never see the inside of a cell so imagine knowing somewhere that person is still out there. Healing energy and peace be the journey!
I have always had the utmost respect fir Samantha as a phenomenal highly intelligent artist . Her roles always carefully selected to reflect depth of character . With a touch of sadness and deep strength of character. Now I know why .
Samantha is one of my go to actors because of the truth in the characters she portrays .
Very beautiful individual spiritually and pysically. Very proud of her on ALL levels 🙏🏽
I so admire you your courage to expose these abuses on vulnerable children!!
Thanks for coming out ♥️ all will come out
A truly remarkable and brave woman. A powerful voice for millions. Brava, Samantha. Love your spirit.
i admire samantha even more now
Samantha Morton, my hero 💪🏻! (Of course nothing ever changes in those care homes, they can change the name from redtiles to blue tiles but the wrong people will always be attracted to work there. My opinion.) Thank you for sharing !!!
This is really brave of Samantha going public about her sexual abuse in care. I can relate to this as the same thing happens to me in care.I too was in care in children home in Nottingham.
A person must be very sick in the head to sexually abuse a child. I was also abused as a child, though I hadn't recognized it as an abuse till I was about 27 years old, and still to this day I can't wrap my mind around the possible motives of a person doing such act of cruelty to an innocent child.
Thank you for sharing this, Samantha Morton.
Jeezuz effing christ. Such strength. I can't even imagine.
Once you come out the other side you either give up or you fight back, she fought back with intelligence
Great choice of words. Smh
Samantha you are a warrior. You are a beautiful person and to talk about it is so courageous and will help so much victims...
It's disgusting that it's social workers who did that...
Thank you for sharing your story, Samantha; it's heartbreaking and infuriating. You can find testimonies like this all over UA-cam... WHERE'S THE ACCOUNTABILITY?!! WHERE'S THE JUSTICE FOR THESE CHILDREN?!!
Always suspected something like this had happened to Samantha Morton. Awful to have one's suspicions confirmed. Good that she's healing from the ordeal. A fine actress - exceptional in fact. Good on yer Samantha !! Rx
I want to tell her that I’m so sorry. It’s hard enough growing up normal but having this happen is heartbreaking.
Samantha Morton is very brave to have spoken about the abuse she suffered as a child. Her talent and success are a testament to her resiliency.
I’m sorry that happened to you! It happens in Canada as well! I love your acting! Thanks for being brave and sharing your experience! Code 46 is my favourite movie! May the rest of your life be safe, peaceful and beautiful!
Her eyes tell her story.. Bless her!
So was I sweet heart. Pray for healing emotionally and physically and mentally for you.
Thank you Samantha Morton.
Respect from Scotland.
Ms. Morton gives the finest performance of Jane Eyre currently on film anywhere. Now having seen this interview I can see how she brought some of her real life to the role.
While Jane Eyre was not sexually abused in the story, I can see how the actor could have brought that "unworthy of love" to the part of a lower class orphan girl daring to love a man above her station.
See the film. If you are not undone during the scene under the tree as she makes excuses as to why Edward cannot love her...your heart is a stone.
I wish there was a more direct medium through which fans could let Morton (and her outstanding co-star Ciaran Hinds) know how much their performance affects its viewers.
I agree she is an unparalleled Mrs. Rochester.
It Rand true because of the similarities in stories.
thats exactly what l was thinking she plays that character so well she must have went to a dark time in her own history and used it for her acting that makes me respect her even more
Shes incredibly brave. These stories are hard to hear, I can't imagine having to live through it.. (She's an amazing actress as well.)