FLORENCE, SC (WBTW)– Nearly two hundred people turned out at the Florence Civic Center on Wednesday to hear sexual abuse survivor Matthew Sandusky speak about overcoming obstacles.
Sandusky is the adopted son of former Penn State University Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky, who was convicted of in 2012 of sexually abusing several young boys.
“My whole life was torn apart, honestly, and I truly mean that,” said Sandusky.
Sandusky used these words to describe his journey fighting through sexual abuse.
“It’s just been step by step, piece by piece, going to therapy, working on myself. I’m still in therapy every single week,” said Sandusky.
The adopted son of Jerry Sandusky said he was a victim of sexual abuse for most of his life.
As a part of his healing process, he uses his story to help empower others.
“No matter what has happened to you, no matter what you have been through, no matter where you are in life at this current moment, you can overcome it all,” said Sandusky.
Sandusky spoke to people in the Pee Dee Coalition, an organization that helps victims of domestic and sexual assault.
“It’s a hard subject to talk about, but I think it’s time we talk about it and have a conversation about it and let the community know it is a community problem,” said Gloria Davis, director of the Pee Dee Coalition’s Durant Children’s Center.
Sandusky said speeches like this and organizations like the Pee Dee Coalition help raise awareness against sexual abuse and helps survivors know they are not alone.
Ticket sales from the event go towards the Durant Children’s Center, a program part of the Pee Dee Coalition to help children who are victims of sexual abuse.
