Sports Anchor Shares Powerful Story of Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse

Vinnie VInzetta opens up about the trauma he endured and how he turned it into a mission to help others

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:37pm

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An abstract, dreamlike image of soft, blurred light and color, conveying the emotional experience of a childhood sexual abuse survivor finding healing and purpose.A survivor's path from trauma to triumph, as a sports anchor opens up about overcoming childhood sexual abuse to become a champion for other victims.San Antonio Today

In a deeply personal commentary, KENS 5 sports reporter and weekend anchor Vinnie VInzetta shares his harrowing story of surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a neighbor when he was just 13 years old. VInzetta describes the devastating impact the abuse had on his life, but also how he was able to overcome the trauma and dedicate his life to helping other children and abuse survivors.

Why it matters

VInzetta's story sheds light on the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse and the immense courage it takes for survivors to come forward and share their experiences. His decision to speak out publicly about his ordeal is an important step in destigmatizing these issues and inspiring others who have been through similar traumas.

The details

VInzetta recounts how the abuse occurred when his family was going through a difficult time after his parents' divorce. He says the predator, who lived next door, took advantage of his vulnerability and position of trust as a father figure. VInzetta describes the fear and confusion he felt, as well as the guilt he carried for years about not reporting the abuse of another neighborhood boy. Despite the trauma, VInzetta says he was determined not to let the abuse destroy his life, and he eventually found healing through dedicating himself to helping children and other abuse survivors.

  • The abuse occurred when VInzetta was 13 years old, in the years following his parents' divorce.
  • VInzetta first shared the details of the abuse with his then-girlfriend Deanne in 2011, nearly 25 years after it happened.
  • VInzetta's abuser died several years ago from a terminal illness.

The players

Vinnie VInzetta

A sports reporter and weekend sports anchor for KENS 5 in San Antonio who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

Deanne

VInzetta's girlfriend in 2011, to whom he first disclosed the details of the abuse.

VInzetta's abuser

A neighbor who sexually abused VInzetta when he was 13 years old, taking advantage of VInzetta's vulnerability during a difficult time in his family.

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What they’re saying

“I've since learned many things about child sexual predators. It's impossible to really explain, but you put trust into adults, and he betrayed that trust beyond measure.”

— Vinnie VInzetta, Sports Anchor

“As my oldest siter, Noelle, told me, I have nothing to be ashamed of. I didn't do anything wrong. He held the power over me, and that other young man, probably just two of God knows how many victims.”

— Vinnie VInzetta, Sports Anchor

“I'm so relieved that I never battled addiction or chose suicide or chose to abuse children to seek retribution against my abuser.”

— Vinnie VInzetta, Sports Anchor

What’s next

VInzetta says he is open to talking with and supporting other survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are struggling with the trauma.

The takeaway

VInzetta's powerful story demonstrates the immense resilience and strength of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and how they can turn something devastating into something empowering by dedicating their lives to helping others who have endured similar traumas.