I watched a few segments of Oprah interviewing Matthew Sandusky as he spoke up about his experiences being abused by his adopted father; a coach and seemingly unlikely abuser.
What struck me is how the public character often is the toughest enemy when it comes to children being believed....even adult children. Had there only been one child to speak up against this Penn State coach, I am not sure there would have been a conviction.
For it requires enough evidence to out weigh the life that is lived in the light of day.
Somehow this seems to be held on the scales as 'evidence' to the contrary of his capabilities to abuse. Most will fail to recognize how it dove tailed nicely and played perfectly to be the perfect role to be an abuser. It didn't make it harder, but easier.
The manipulation and the selection of boys isn't done half-assed. It is carefully orchestrated and played out. It is a huge part of the dance for the pedophile....child friendship.
If only folks would recognize that it matters NOT what the abuser does...what office he holds, what religion he is, what sport he plays...for more often than not, it is the gate way to gaining access to those he will abuse.
I am encouraged by more and more cases being exposed and others standing up and speaking out about their abuse and their abusers. It opens the pathway to make it more believable....or at the very least, not so shameful.
I see Matthew Sandusky as he said...no longer being a coward.
I had to look up the definition of "Coward".
"a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things."
Isn't it funny, but we intuitively know, we will have to endure danger or unpleasantness IF we speak up.
He said how family always stood together 'against them', whomever that was...Family stands by family, no matter what.
And, his unwillingness to do so, set him apart from family.
I understand this best.
He is a hero to me.
(You can watch episodes on OWN Network, online....oprah.com)
