Matthew Sandusky

Matthew Sandusky is a survivor, author, and advocate for child sexual abuse prevention. He experienced childhood sexual abuse from ages 8 to 17 by his adoptive father, Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State University assistant football coach whose case became one of the most high-profile child sex abuse scandals in the United States. Sandusky entered the Sandusky home through The Second Mile charity, initially as a foster child before being legally adopted. During Jerry Sandusky's conviction on 45 counts of child sexual abuse, Matthew Sandusky disclosed details of the abuse he endured.

Sandusky's disclosure interview with police was leaked to the media, placing him and his family at the center of national attention. He chose to speak publicly about his experiences, motivated in part by hearing another victim testify. Following the trial, Penn State University and a third-party law firm awarded financial settlements to 26 of Jerry Sandusky's victims, including Sandusky. He has since dedicated his efforts to child protection and supporting survivors.

Sandusky is the founder and executive director of Peaceful Hearts Foundation, an organization focused on eliminating childhood sexual abuse through public awareness, educational initiatives, and legislative advocacy. Through the foundation, he promotes stronger statute of limitation laws, education for children, mandated reporter requirements, and other legislative measures. Sandusky collaborates with researchers, clinicians, media, policymakers, social workers, and child protection professionals to improve awareness and services for survivors nationwide.

As an author, Sandusky chronicled his experiences in the memoir "Undaunted: Breaking My Silence to Overcome the Trauma of Child Sexual Abuse," which examines the realities of abuse and the healing process. He is recognized as a spokesperson on child sexual abuse prevention and has provided commentary on breaking news. Sandusky has participated in a one-on-one interview with Oprah Winfrey, appeared in the documentaries "Happy Valley" and "Invisible Scars," and has been published in major newspapers across the country.

Sandusky continues to serve as a keynote speaker, advocate, and author, focusing on raising awareness and promoting prevention of child sexual abuse. He works to empower survivors and encourage action within communities to protect children, contributing to the national conversation on child protection and survivor advocacy.