Jan Broberg was rescued twice by a man pretending to be a friend of her family. Now she is asking people to watch out for tell-tale signs.
The shocking documentary “Abducted in Plain Sight” was made about the 60-year-old. It is now and available to stream on Netflix. She is currently involved in Peacock’s scripted series, “A Friend of the Family.” The story tells her true story about the multiple kidnappings she suffered in the 1970s, as well as the sexual abuse she received by Robert Berchtold.
On Nov. 15, the streaming service will release a new documentary titled “A Friend of the Family – True Evil”. Broberg talks to other victims for the first.
Jan Broberg (left), made a guest appearance on the scripted series, “A Friend of the Family.” (Peacock)
Broberg said to Fox News Digital, “I want people understand how grooming takes place, and how this predator entered our lives.” It was a gradual process that took many years. He was a family man. He was accompanied by his five children, and his wife at church. He didn’t look like a predator. That is true for most people… Predators tend to be people we know. I wanted people talking about this important topic. My family and me spoke out to encourage people to share their stories and eradicate the evil in their lives, congregations, and communities.
NETFLIX’S KILLER SALLY’ DETAILS WHY HER BODYBUILDING CHAMP HOUSE HUSBAND SALLY MCNEIL: ‘A CYCLE of VIOLENCE’
Jan Broberg claimed that she was kidnapped by a trusted friend and then sexually abused. (Jan Broberg)
She shared that a predator could be your favorite teacher, coach, or someone you love and trust. It can be subtle… We make the most common mistake of not accepting the fact that it happens. We think that it can’t happen to us.
“The greatest problem we have today is that conversations are not encouraged to occur. A young child who isn’t believed in or encouraged to talk about their problems will continue to have them. This problem lives in darkness in a secret place. If we can lift people up, then tell them that we will support you. We are here to support you. We don’t blame, and that’s the first step towards healing.
Jan Broberg with her family in 1977. Broberg claimed that she had a normal upbringing until Robert Berchtold entered the picture. (Jan Broberg)
In 1972, Berchtold and his family moved from Pocatello to the Brobergs’ neighborhood of middle-class people in Idaho. Berchtold, also known as “B”, was quickly made friends with the families and considered a family member. In 1974, Berchtold took Broberg, then 12 years old, and kidnapped her. He took her horseback riding, but instead of taking her away, he drove her off in an RV. Broberg shared with her that she heard a strange voice through a speaker as she was being tied down. Broberg was convinced by Berchtold that she had been abducted by aliens and that she must comply with their demands to keep her family safe.
Two weeks later, the FBI found them. Berchtold was convicted of kidnapping and was immediately arrested. His sentence was reduced from 5 years to 45 days. According to reports, he spent 10 days in prison. Broberg’s family was able to persuade Berchtold to drop the most serious charges against Broberg.
IDAHO WOMAN RECALLS ESCAPING SERIAL KILLER JOSEPH DUNCAN IN DOC: ‘HOW LONG AM I GOING TO BE ALIVE?’
Broberg was 14 when Berchtold kidnapped her again two years later. The first documentary revealed that Berchtold had separate sexual relationships with her parents, and she blackmailed them.
Jan Broberg was 12 years old when Robert Berchtold kidnapped her. She was also kidnapped again by Robert Berchtold when she turned 14. (Jan Broberg)
Broberg acknowledged that it was hard to watch the reenactment Berchtold convincing her dad to perform a sexual act upon him for the scripted television series. Broberg’s parents were accused by Broberg of allowing their daughter be taken advantage of when the documentary first came out.
Broberg stated that the criticism hurt her already hurt family, particularly Robert Broberg, and that the criticism was unfair. In 2018, the patriarch died at 80 years old.
She cried, saying, “That was hard for me because I had such remarkable, honest and brave, vulnerable, and exposed parents who were willing the truth, all the ugly truth.” “It was a wonderful childhood. Until the day that I was kidnapped and held captive in a motorhome by my best friend. He then sexually assaulted and raped it.
NETFLIX’S ‘OUR FATHER’: FILM EXPLORES TRAUMA CAUSED INDIANA FERTILITY DOCTOR, WHO IMPREGNATED HIS PARTNERS
Jan Broberg stood by her parents, who were criticised after the release of “Abducted In Plain Sight.” (Jan Broberg)
“It is upsetting when people put blame on the wrong people. My parents were wonderful. They loved their children, were attentive and willing to help them. The perpetrator should be held accountable. This is the one who caused the harm. This is the person who psychologically guided me, my parents and my congregation to trust him, love him, and believe him. He looked just like every other nice guy at church.
Jan Broberg (center), said that therapy has helped her deal with the past. (Jan Broberg)
Broberg pointed out that her father was still suffering from “a lot” of guilt years later.
She said that “He felt like he had made such a terrible mistake in judgment.” “But the truth is that we all make mistakes. My dad was very guilty of his beliefs. He was very moral and spiritual. He was determined to do the right thing… It was very difficult for him to talk about the things he did… I don’t think he ever fully forgave those things.”
Jan Broberg stated that her father did not fully forgive him for the family’s past. (Jan Broberg)
Broberg said that she had “hope” as a child and it gave her strength.
WARREN JEFFS, POLYGAMOUS CULLT LEADER, SPEAKS IN DOC: “WE WERE BRAINWASHED”
She explained that her father was a man who always told them to be thankful. We were taught to always find the positive. I was able to believe in the goodness of my parents. It helped me recover from the trauma.
Berchtold was arrested and taken to a mental hospital. According to reports, Berchtold only stayed there for a few weeks. Broberg and Mary Ann Broberg, co-authored a book entitled “Stolen innocence” that detailed their experiences. Berchtold refuted the allegations against him as they went on tour. Broberg filed a restraining request after he tried to crash one her public speaking events. After an altercation with Bikers Against child abuse demonstrator, Broberg was found guilty of simple assault and criminal trespassing.
Jan Broberg revisited her childhood home for the true-crime documentary, “A Friend of the Family : True Evil.” (Peacock)
Oxygen reported that Berchtold, who was 69 years old at the time of his sentence, took his own life in 2005.
Broberg said that he was overwhelmed with emotions from relief to deep sadness. Broberg said that he hurt not only me but also the lives of other girls. By this time, I was aware of other victims. I wasn’t the first, and I wasn’t his last. Then I felt for his family and children. It was an awful and difficult realization. This was a parent who smiled but was a monster. I cried for several days. Then, I became angry. He never paid any of the consequences for his actions towards me. I take solace in the fact that I was able to forgive him and let it go. He will now have to deal the afterlife.
IDAHO MAN RECALLS ABOUT HOW ‘EVIL’ ESTRANGED WIFE A FORMER NURSE COMMITTED MURDER in DOC: ‘I FELT DISGUSTED
Jan Broberg stated that she felt mixed emotions when she heard about Robert Berchtold’s fate. (Jan Broberg)
Broberg stated that her past has been helped by being able to connect with other survivors. The Jan Broberg Foundation provides support for victims of sexual abuse. Broberg hosts a podcast that features interviews with experts.
Jan Broberg hopes that others will feel supported by her story. (Peacock)
Broberg said, “I am so happy and fulfilled by the things that I do in my life.” “I want people know that they are not alone… I have the support of my family members and therapists. My story is my hope that others will be inspired by it. There’s always life on the other side.
Please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 if you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse.
