Samantha Morton: I was sexually abused as a child in care homes | Guardian Interviews 

There are no worse crimes than crimes against children.

Samantha Morton is a warrior. She is incredibly strong.

You are speaking up for the child still inside you. Not a minimal feat. Keep being brave, she needs you to speak.

I was really tired of the interviewer trying to speak over her

Interviewer is really unlikeable. He interrupted her too often. It felt wrong.

This interviewer is terrible. Samantha is very brave.

"The forgotten children of the forgotten people" - well said.

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

I’ve always thought there was something really sad about her.

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 ❤️❤️❤️

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 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.

Interviewer a bit of a knob. Well done Samantha for letting people know about this.

back in the eighties making a complaint about abusers in childrens homes gets you even more abuse .

I like her. I like her face, her grunginess, her honesty.

This is a strong, beautiful and intelligent person. In stark contrast to the monsters she describes.

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.

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.

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. :(

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.

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

Wonderfully frank no bs Samanta Morton. Great talent as well.

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.

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

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.

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.

christ :'( it's helpful to see someone so successful and respected speak out.

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?"

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

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!

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.

I wanted the interviewer to stop interrupting!

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!

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!

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.

she is so brave, saying it as it is. i take her as inspiration to speak truth

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.

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💗💗

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.

She seems like a very brave and smart women... Go get em..

What about justice where are the ex-staff now ?

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.

To acknowledge forgotten people and a forgotten society....... this lady must be remembered as a champion of forgotten souls.

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

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.

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?

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.

Samantha is clearly a great actor but also has a beautiful humanity shining in those lovely eyes.

She is a fantastic actress! The Walking Dead got very lucky to get her even though her southern accent needs some work.

My heart breaks. This is an amazing and brave woman.

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!

Why don't The Guardian report on the Melanie Shaw case?

The interviewer was terrible! Why did he keep interrupting?

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

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.

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.

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.

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 !!!

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 amazing! her acting on the walking dead as Alpha has me in awe!

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.

Child rapists should be given life sentences. They absolutely destroy young helpless kids and seem to be free to carry on doing it. It sickens me to the core and she is right it comes from the top. All them filthy perverted sick men should be found and punished for what they done.

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

Great interview - very brave. I hope the social worker is no longer practicing...

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 truly remarkable and brave woman. A powerful voice for millions. Brava, Samantha. Love your spirit.

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.

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.

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.

She’s so brave for speaking out about this! It makes me do everything I can to stop things like this happening to children 😡

Your character in the new tv show bbc is so brilliant too !

I know this is not about me and I do know where these people are coming from, I was sexually and beaten continually abused as a child up to the age of 17, nobody believed me or did any thing for me and never will. The same will happen now. We all who are affected would like to string these evil beings up It is not going to happen. NOBODY CARES. Live with it.

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

How SAD is this to hear, so very sad !!!!! Sickenly sad !

His way of questioning is almost in my opinion putting blame on her like how police interrogate criminals. A child is taught everything they know, they are to be loved and protected from predators and pedifiles always. Dont matter if she got to a age she realized it wasnt right she was under age, they were Adults!

In the 1990s when I worked in the North of England in a city, teaching FE, mainly special needs education which embraced school excluded and looked after children too..Mainly teenagers. Every student I taught told me that at one time or another, they were sexually abused by their carers, which made no difference, the abuse took place in The Homes and in Foster Care in equal measure. The tragic violation of power tragically played out the same and no one seemed to care about the young people involved. All the kids at that time, who were from broken homes or were in care were picked off by the abusers, make no mistake the authorities were aware but there was no public accountability. Even knew the kids who were removed. Afterwards, no prosecutions took place either. The authorities seemed to just cover up the problems. Removing kids buried the issues and silenced the kids instead. What struck me at the time was that no one in authority seemed to care much about the welfare of the children. Since I left FE over 20 years ago, not sure what happens nowadays. Due to the lack of funding and austerity measures imposed on the welfare state, by the Tories I doubt much has improved.

Thank you Samantha Morton. Respect from Scotland.

Wow! On my own doorstep what a brave woman. Thankyou for shedding light on the care system

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 🙏🏽

Jeezuz effing christ. Such strength. I can't even imagine.

Well done Samantha for speaking out ...respect

The male interviewer seems "OFF" or "shocked" in some way... It's a difficult topic & institutional hierarchical abuse is real - the system is rotten.

i was sexually abused from 7 till 12 years old then one day i had a blade on me and it all came to a end at 12 years old . now at 65 i still carry a blade and still have bad dreams.

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.

There is NO excuse for this!! This happens far too frequently to these children in “care”!!! They need to trust adults more than anyone and these perverts intentionally work with children to abuse them!!!! This is SICK and they need prosecuted and strung up

I want to tell her that I’m so sorry. It’s hard enough growing up normal but having this happen is heartbreaking.

A very brave ladie for speaking out my heart goes out to samantha & for been so strong

So what went wrong when Melanie Shaw spoke out about her abuse and abusers she’s been silenced locked up so she can’t speak so where is the justice in coming forward to the police

A counselor told me that I caused my father to hurt me because I am a quiet gentle person

How can you be 19 and a social worker? Surely you need more training, experience and vetting etc...

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!

What a horrible world. Imagine leaving in a 'safe' enviroment then you get violated from people who used hve protected you.

I knew I loved her, deeply. I feel like I understand her pain.

Her eyes tell her story.. Bless her!

Brave and inspiring x 💕 you are the lucky one to heal and move forward

Bless your heart! I was sexually abused several times by different people also, and we are survivors, but it is with you you’re whole life! You are an awesome actress!!! Love you dearly!

Samantha explained herself and the situations she suffered, extremely well. I hope she is an advocate.