Sandusky's Son Speaks About Abusive Childhood
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One of the most prominent victims from one of the most prominent sexual abuse cases in recent memory was a keynote speaker today at a conference on investigating child sex abuse.
Matt Sandusky, the adopted son of Jerry Sandusky, and also one his many victims, shared his story with a group of hundreds -- prosecutors, investigators, social workers, and therapists -- from his first memory of his biological father burning his feet with a lighter, to his grandfather beating him with a broomstick until he learned not to cry.
He says now he has a foundation called Peaceful Hearts to help those who were sexually assaulted and also to try to prevent future cases.
For example, he says, the foundation highlights what to look for in child victims, and also in the abusers, and stresses the importance of coming forward if you see something.
"I like to say, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, something you see an adult doing with a child, no matter what it is, then go with that -- it's probably not appropriate," the younger Sandusky advised.
He also talked about how hard it was for him to coming forward, knowing he'd lose his adoptive family, and the anger directed at him and his children.
Hear Jim Melwert's extended interview with Matt Sandusky in this CBS Philly podcast (runs 11:14)...
