It was an ordinary fall afternoon, the kind where the air is crisp and the roses are in their second bloom. As I settled in to schedule a routine eye exam, the receptionist’s voice on the phone suddenly shifted, “Are you Jan Broberg? From the new series?” A simple “Yes, A Friend of the Family is launching on Peacock on October 6th,” confirmed her suspicion. Then came the words that resonated deeply, “You spoke to my high school English class over 20 years ago… I was 15, suffering abuse from a family member. Your story changed my life. That day, I told my mother. I was terrified, but I did it. Now, I’m married, a mother of two. Thank you.” Overwhelmed, I could only express my gratitude for her courage and resilience, acknowledging the daily miracle she had created by choosing to speak up and heal. This was just one of countless stories shared with me since I first began to openly discuss my own trauma.
My story is the basis for A Friend of the Family, which concluded its run on November 10th. I am Jan Broberg, and my childhood was stolen by repeated abductions and sexual abuse at the hands of a man we considered a close family friend. He was a father of five, someone we knew from church. For three years before the kidnappings, this master manipulator infiltrated our lives, grooming not just me, but my parents, siblings, and our entire community into a false sense of security. He was charismatic, seemingly kind, and always ready to help – the picture of a trustworthy neighbor in our small Idaho town. The nine-part series dramatizes the insidious way this unfolded, delving into the psychology of a manipulator who operated then, in the 1970s, and whose tactics sadly remain relevant today. Millions of children and families are still vulnerable to these predators in 2022. This cautionary tale, unfortunately, remains profoundly relevant.
Anna Paquin, Mckenna Grace, and Colin Hanks in A Friend of the Family
Image alt text: Scene from “A Friend of the Family” series featuring Anna Paquin as Mary Ann Broberg, Mckenna Grace as young Jan Broberg, and Colin Hanks as Bob Broberg, illustrating the family dynamic.
The stark reality of child sexual abuse – affecting 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys – and the deceptive grooming methods used by predators are conversations we often avoid. Yet, my family and I made the difficult decision to expose every painful detail, every mistake, every missed warning sign, hoping it might help even one person recognize these dangers. This complete vulnerability has opened us to criticism, but transparency is essential to break the silence.
The responsibility for these heinous acts lies squarely with the criminal pedophile. However, we must also confront the patriarchal structures within families, institutions, and systems that inadvertently shield abusers and fail to prioritize child protection. I understand the immense courage it takes to report someone you know, especially if they hold a respected position in the community. But we must collectively commit to uncovering the truth and acting upon it. By sharing my story, I aim to give voice to the countless children who have suffered similar abuse at the hands of someone they trusted.
Jake Lacy and Hendrix Yancey in A Friend of the Family
Image alt text: Robert Berchtold, portrayed by Jake Lacy, interacts with young Jan Broberg, played by Hendrix Yancey, in “A Friend of the Family,” highlighting the groomer’s manipulative tactics.
The Jan Broberg Foundation serves as a vital community resource for victims (survivors), their families, partners, and friends – all deeply impacted by grooming, trauma, and abuse. We offer unwavering support, believing and listening to survivors, and working to remove perpetrators from society, without ever blaming victims or uninformed family members.
FBI data reveals that criminal pedophiles are overwhelmingly repeat offenders, harming an estimated 30 to 70 children throughout their lives. Often, the fear of shame outweighs the courage to protect a child. We must stop minimizing or dismissing child rape and incest, particularly when perpetrated by someone within the family or a “friend.” While the idea of dangerous strangers is frightening, the reality is that 97% of abusers are known to the child. They are far from strangers.
Another critical misconception is that grooming focuses solely on the child. In truth, predators groom everyone around the child. They skillfully build trust, often isolating family members from each other to prevent suspicion. This manipulation further confuses the child, blurring the lines between acceptable behavior and abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted adult from within the family, church, neighborhood, sports team, or school.
Jan Broberg cameo in A Friend of the Family finale
Image alt text: Jan Broberg makes a cameo appearance as Dr. Carr in the season finale of “A Friend of the Family,” demonstrating her involvement and commitment to the series and its message.
In The Jan Broberg Story: The True Crime Story of a Young Girl Abducted and Brainwashed by a Friend of the Family, co-authored with my mother, MaryAnn Broberg, we provide a detailed account to help readers recognize their own blind spots and biases. We urge you to confront the disbelief that abuse could come from someone you know, someone within your trusted circle. Vulnerability arises when we ignore our instincts, dismiss subtle warning signs, and second-guess our gut feelings. My mission is to expose the truth and inspire action – to educate ourselves, report suspicious behavior, and protect ourselves and our vulnerable children.
Ultimately, my deepest hope is to empower victims to not just survive, but to truly thrive; to heal and move beyond their trauma. Every child deserves a happy childhood, at every stage of life.
