Steven says he has been the victim of abuse for more than 12 years of his young life.

The 18-year-old, who has had his name changed to protect his identity, was attacked in his own home by his stepfather when he was just six years old.

His stepfather also allowed his friends to abuse Steven. The youngster quickly learned not to complain and was regularly showered with expensive gifts, such as the latest training shoes or large sums of money.

After four years his stepfather split up with Steven's mother, but left behind emotional and mental scars that have stayed with the youngster and changed the course of his life.

He became difficult and aggressive and found himself living in foster care by the time he reached 13.

Within 12 months Steven had ran away a half a dozen times and would often tour the clubs and bars of Bristol where he came into contact with the kind of men who prey on young boys.

Steven says he is still sexually abused by men, but he hopes to build a better future for himself and recently started college.

He said: "The people who abused me have never been brought to justice but I have never been able to tell anyone in authority what has happened to me simply because I am afraid to expose myself to the outside world."

Used courtesy of the Western Daily Press