It was an ordinary fall afternoon, rose bushes blooming on my porch, when a routine call for an eye exam turned extraordinary. The receptionist’s voice on the other end of the line sparked a memory, “You’re the Jan Broberg with the new series, right?” Yes, I confirmed, “A Friend of the Family” was about to premiere on Peacock. Her next words resonated deeply. She recounted attending my high school talk over two decades prior, a 15-year-old grappling with abuse from a family member. My story, she shared, gave her the courage to confide in her mother, a pivotal moment that altered her life’s course. Now, a married mother of two, she expressed profound gratitude. Her story, one among thousands, underscores the urgent need to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind child sexual abuse, the very heart of “A Friend of the Family.”
This nine-part series, which concluded on November 10th, doesn’t just tell a story; it tells my story. I am Jan Broberg, twice abducted and sexually abused by a trusted family friend we met through church, Robert Berchtold. Over three years, this predator meticulously manipulated my parents, siblings, and our entire community, weaving a web of trust around himself. He was charismatic, seemingly kind, and deeply involved in our lives – mirroring the image of safety and normalcy in our small Idaho town. “A Friend of the Family” dramatizes the intricate psychology of such master manipulators, revealing their tactics in the 1970s, and, crucially, how these methods persist today, endangering countless children and families in 2022 and beyond. This is not just a period piece; it’s a starkly relevant cautionary tale.
A Friend of the Family – Season 1
The grim reality of child sexual abuse statistics – 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys – coupled with the insidious grooming techniques predators employ, is a conversation our society often shies away from. Yet, my family and I chose to confront this discomfort head-on. “A Friend of the Family” lays bare every agonizing detail, every oversight, every missed warning sign, with the hope that even one person might recognize similar patterns and intervene. This transparency came at a cost, exposing us to criticism and public scrutiny. However, I believe this vulnerability is essential to truly address this pervasive issue.
The series unflinchingly portrays the characters involved, allowing viewers to understand the complexities of these situations. The focus must remain squarely on Robert Berchtold, the criminal pedophile responsible for these violent acts against innocent children. Furthermore, we must critically examine the patriarchal structures within families and institutions that inadvertently shield abusers and fail to prioritize child protection. It demands immense courage to confront and prosecute someone within your circle, especially when they project an image of respectability. Collectively, we must cultivate the willingness to unearth the truth and grapple with its uncomfortable implications. My decision to share my story, and now to have it dramatized in “A Friend of the Family,” is driven by a desire to give voice to the millions who have endured similar abuse at the hands of someone they knew and trusted.
A Friend of the Family – Season 1
The Jan Broberg Foundation serves as a vital community hub, offering support to victims (survivors), their families, partners, and friends – all of whom bear the lasting scars of grooming, trauma, and abuse. We operate on a foundation of belief and empathy: we never blame victims or their families who were unknowingly manipulated. Instead, we offer unwavering support, listen without judgment, and work to ensure perpetrators are removed from society and held accountable.
FBI statistics reveal a chilling pattern: criminal pedophiles are frequently serial offenders, harming an estimated 30 to 70 children throughout their lifetimes. Often, the fear of shame overshadows the courage to protect a child. We must dismantle the dangerous tendency to minimize or dismiss child rape and incest, especially when perpetrated by someone familiar, a “friend.” It would be easier to fear strangers, but the unsettling truth is that in 97% of cases, the abuser is known to the child.
Another critical misconception addressed by understanding the characters in “A Friend of the Family” is the scope of grooming. It’s not solely directed at the child; it encompasses everyone surrounding the child. Predators skillfully cultivate trust by isolating family members, preventing suspicion. This calculated manipulation further confuses the child, blurring the lines between acceptable and harmful behavior, particularly when the groomer is a trusted adult within their familiar circles – family, church, neighborhood, sports teams, or school.
A Friend of the Family – Season 1
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 meticulously detail every aspect of this ordeal. Our aim is to empower you to recognize your own blind spots and biases, to challenge the disbelief that such betrayal can originate from within your trusted circle. We urge you to heed your intuition, those subtle “spidey senses,” and resist the urge to dismiss seemingly minor cues. My mission, amplified by “A Friend of the Family,” is to expose the truth, to inspire vigilance, education, and reporting, ultimately safeguarding our most vulnerable – our children.
My deepest hope is to inspire survivors to not just endure, but to truly thrive, to heal and move forward from the trauma of abuse. Every child deserves a happy childhood, at every stage of life. “A Friend of the Family” is more than just a television series; it’s a catalyst for crucial conversations and a call to action to protect the innocent.
