Holly Alex

Holly Alex
Holly Alex
Born	Holly Hamilton
Occupations	Author, Advocate
Known for	Advocacy for care-experienced people; Author of I Thought You Cared

Holly Alex (born Holly Hamilton) is a Scottish writer who has spoken publicly about her experiences in residential care in Scotland. She has been featured in UK media in connection with reporting on abuse in secure care and its handling by local authorities. She is the author of I Thought You Cared, a memoir scheduled for release in 2026.

Early life and care experience

Hamilton entered the Scottish residential care system as a teenager. She later spoke to BBC News and other outlets about abuse she experienced while in care, and about systemic failures in the handling of care placements. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Abuse, advocacy, and public attention

While in secure care, Hamilton was sexually abused by a care worker, Gordon Collins, when she was 15. She has spoken publicly about her experiences in BBC News and other outlets, discussing both the abuse and responses by care authorities. ^[4]

Following the conviction of Collins, Hamilton gave interviews to multiple media outlets, including the BBC, Edinburgh Evening News , Herald Scotland , and the Daily Mirror, commenting on care practices and the handling of abuse allegations. ^[5]

Publications and advocacy work

Hamilton is the author of I Thought You Cared, a memoir scheduled for release in 2026. The book recounts her experiences in residential care and the abuse she suffered while in secure units. ^[6]

Holly runs BeyondTheSystem.co.uk, which shares information and resources related to experiences in the care system. ^[7]

References

1. "Witness Statement of Holly Alex" (PDF). Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
2. Edinburgh Evening News. "I was sexually abused every weekend for six months, young victim of Edinburgh secure unit abuse asks why lessons have not been learned" . Retrieved 30 December 2025.
3. Herald Scotland. "Victim of child sex abuse carved attacker's initials into thigh was not believed by care staff" . Retrieved 30 December 2025.
4. BBC News (31 March 2022). "I was abused in care – why has nothing changed?" . Retrieved 30 December 2025.
5. Mirror. "'I was abused by care worker aged 15'" . Retrieved 30 December 2025.
6. "I Thought You Cared – book release". BeyondTheSystem.co.uk. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
7. "BeyondTheSystem.co.uk" . Retrieved 30 December 2025.