Scott Brown Shares About Being Abused as a Child

Scott Brown

Pol Light Moment #78 is when Scott Brown shared that he was abused as a child. The revelations were made public on February 17, 2011, in advance of a 60 Minutes interview Brown did later that week. They are also shared in Scott Brown's memoirs called Against All Odds: My Life of Hardships, Fast Breaks, and Second Chances.  Scott Brown served as a United States Senator for Massachusetts from 2010-2013. Prior to that he served 12 years in the State legislator in Massachusetts. 
Scott Brown revealed in 2011 that he was physically abused by his stepfathers and sexually abused by a summer camp counselor growing up as a child from a broken home. Scott Brown said, "It's taken 42 years to even talk about it. And I'm not out to settle any scores, but if I can help people certainly move forward with their lives by talking about it (CBS News, April 6, 2011)." Footage of the 60 Minutes interview where Scott Brown talked about his abuse are in this YouTube video. 

Scott Brown's revelation had an impact. It was revealed in April, 2011, that because of Scott Brown sharing his story an anonymous man came forward with allegations of similar sexual abuse at the same camp Brown had attended as a child (CBS News, April 6, 2011).  In addition, 13 former campers came forward stating they experienced abuse as well at the same camp (New York Times, April 12, 2011).

Here are some news articles on Scott Brown's revelation of childhood abuse.

• Scott Brown's story prompts new abuse allegation
• Scott Brown: I Was Molested as a Kid
• Senator Scott Brown’s searing childhood, and his improbable rise - The Boston Globe
• The Pros and Cons of Revealing Sexual Abuse

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Scott Brown is in the Public Domain.

Nikki Haley Speaks of Being Abused as Child

Nikki Halley

Pol Light Moment #55 occurred on July 8, 2013, when Governor Nikki Haley shared publically about being abused as a child.  Nikki Haley has served as Governor of South Carolina since January, 2011.

Governor Haley first wrote about her child abuse in her book Can't Is Not an Option: My American Story. She has rarely talked about the experience publically, but mentioned it on July 8, 2013, when speaking at the Greenville Health System Children's Hospital. During this speech she emphasized the study called Silent Tears that recommends steps for the State of South Carolina to combat child abuse (Source).

Here is a video of Nikki Haley sharing her story of being abused as a child. In this video Governor Haley says, "It doesn't matter your background, it doesn't matter your education, it doesn't matter the wealth of your family. Every child is subject to child abuse (Source)."




The following are links to news stories on this moment when Governor Haley talked about being abused as a child.

• Governor Haley Discusses Being Abused
• Nikki Haley Opens Up On Childhood Abuse
• Nikki Halley Suffered Child Abuse: 'No One Knew How To Handle It'

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Nikki Haley was taken by Gage Skidmore.