Tom Arnold Shares His Own Childhood Abuse Story During Protection Center Tour

By Claire Kellett, Reporter/Anchor

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Jan 14, 2010 at 9:47 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 14, 2010 at 10:21 PM CST

Actor and comedian Tom Arnold toured the St. Luke's Child Protection Center in Cedar Rapids this afternoon.

The Ottumwa native says the center is close to his heart because he is a survivor of sexual abuse.

It was a pretty emotional hour for Arnold this afternoon because it brought back some painful childhood memories. But he is happy children are getting the help he didn't have 40 years ago.

The director of CPC says Arnold's story is similar to many cases they see: Children six and under sexually abused by an adult the family knows well.

"The myth of dirty old men walking around preying on children is just a myth. Usually it's someone the child knows and trust and is a caretaker to the child," said Sue Tesdah of the St. Luke’s Child Protection Center.

Last year, CPC saw more than 1300 children from 50 Iowa counties. Arnold applauds the center's efforts to quickly address physical or sexual abuse of children.

"I didn't deal with it until 20 years ago when I got sober," said Arnold.

Arnold admits it isn't easy talking about his sexual abuse. But raising awareness will prevent others from carrying the pain for as long as he did.

Arnold says part of his healing process involved confronting his abuser. He says he tracked down the man who is now a businessman and pastor in Des Moines.

Arnold says it goes to show, abuse of children has no boundaries. It happens in every economic level, every religion.

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