My name is Tony Thompson, I spent the first 14 years of my life in Residential Care.

During those times in care, I was taken on a break to West Germany as it was known then by my biological mother, I was eight years of age at the time, she was hoping for me to be adopted by my Aunt (her sister) and Uncle, who were stationed there.

My Uncle worked for the USAF as a medical nurse. The sleeping arrangements were that I slept in the spare room of the apartment with my Uncle, at the time as a child I had no choice and didn’t think anything of it.

My Uncle at the time would take my pyjamas off and play with my genitals, he would also put his penis between my butt cheek’s and press hard against me. I was unaware that he was sexually assaulting me.

This carried on for the few weeks we were there. He would groom me and make me nice meals, my mother and Aunt, were as far as I knew were unaware of what he was doing to me.

I at the time thought it was normal but at the same time I was confused as to whether he should be doing this to me. Fortunately the adoption didn’t work out and I was returned to the children’s home.

It’s not until my teen and adult year’s that it affected my mental and emotional health. I became sexually confused, I suffered from depression, anxiety and oversensitivity.

I just hope with me sharing this, will help anyone who’s gone through a similar experience.