Note: While these stories are based on actual events, names and certain details have been altered or removed to protect the privacy of the subjects.

Love in the land of make believe

Like most 15 year-old teenagers, Kate had all kinds of complaints about her life at home - her parents were out of touch, they were critical of boys she dated, and they imposed too many rules. One day Kate met a man named Steve in an online chatroom. Steve sympathised with Kate's frustrations; he understood that she didn't like her parents' rules and always had time to listen to her. Steve's devoted attention to Kate attracted her, and they quickly became a virtual couple. Kate accepted his loyalty as love.

While Kate was enjoying her online life, her contact with Steve was hurting her relationships at home. One night Steve invited Kate to stay at his house. Tensions with her parents were high; as they uncovered clues about their daughter's online activities in her room, a feeling of dread and panic overcame Kate's parents. They contacted the police right away, who tracked Kate down within hours. Before Kate would return home, she made her parents agree not to press charges against Steve.

That didn't end the relationship. Kate idolized and was infatuated with Steve—he was the first adult that seemed to care about her feelings. So when Steve arrived at Kate's house three weeks later, she was ready to run away.

Police intercepted the pair at the city bus terminal; it was only then that Steve confessed that he had used the Internet more than once to meet other girls. This reality-check shattered Kate's outlook. Steve was ultimately convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. Three years after his release, he was arrested again and charged with kidnapping—with another 15 year-old girl.