Matt Sandusky Founds Charity Supporting Survivors Of Child Sex Abuse

Matt Sandusky, the adopted son of Jerry Sandusky, has founded the Peaceful Hearts Foundation, a charity that supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The Peaceful Hearts Foundation’s mission is to “provide survivor-informed advocacy for the elimination of childhood sexual victimization and trauma.”

When the elder Sandusky was accused of sexually abusing young boys Matt Sandusky initially supported his father. However, Matt Sandusky later alleged he was abused by his dad when he was a child.

During Jerry Sandusky’s trial, Matt Sandusky contacted police after hearing the testimony of Victim 4 and was to be a surprise witness if his father took the stand, which never happened. Jerry Sandusky was convicted on 45 counts of child abuse and is serving 30 to 60 years in state prison.

Matt Sandusky reached an undisclosed settlement agreement last summer after suing Penn State.

An excerpt from the “Our Story” page of the foundation’s website reads:

In 2011 and 2012, as the world tuned into the news for updates on the “Sandusky Scandal”, our family sat in the epicenter of the storm. Matt and Kim were engaged to be married when their worlds were turned upside down. In November of 2011, Matt’s adoptive father, Jerry Sandusky, was arrested for sexually assaulting at least ten young boys. Many months and incredible amounts of soul searching, strength, and courage led Matt to contact authorities about the abuse that he had suffered at the hands of his adopted father. The storm that followed would be one that Matt and his family could never have imagined or prepared for.

Donations to the charity go to the production and distribution of additional resources for survivors, families, and individuals.

Centre Volunteers in Medicine Partner with United Way

Dance Company Performs Civil War Ballet to Benefit Cemetery

Tree Experts From Japan Use Century-Old Technique to Save ‘Heritage’ Tree

Past and Present of Auto Industry Meet at Bellefonte Cruise

Immigration in Happy Valley

Penn State Athletics: Is Barron’s Climate Right for a New Athletic Director?

Penn State Football: Players Send Their Well Wishes To Brad ‘Spider’ Caldwell

Penn State Football: Pink Is The New White As Beaver Stadium Tests Sound System

Penn State Football: Michigan Woes A Reminder Student Ticket Sales Aren’t A Guarantee