Where Is Jan Broberg Now? Inside Her Life 51 Years After Robert Berchtold Kidnapped Her for the First Time
It’s been more than five decades since Jan Broberg’s life changed forever — and yet, her story continues to move, shock, and inspire people around the world. On October 17, 1974, Jan was kidnapped for the first time by Robert Berchtold, a man she and her family had trusted deeply. He was a close family friend, almost like a second father, someone who spent time at their home and shared family meals. What no one could have imagined was that behind his friendly smile and kindness, Berchtold was slowly building the foundation of a horrifying betrayal.
Jan was just 12 years old when she disappeared. For weeks, her family lived in fear and confusion until authorities finally found her in Mexico. The rescue brought temporary relief, but the nightmare wasn’t over. Berchtold’s manipulation ran so deep that he managed to abduct her again later, exploiting both her innocence and her family’s trust. It’s a story that, for many years, seemed too shocking to believe — a case that revealed how easily deception could tear through even the most ordinary of families.
Now, 51 years later, Jan Broberg has turned her pain into purpose. She’s not only found her voice but has dedicated her life to helping others find theirs. Today, she’s an advocate for survivors of abuse and manipulation, using her platform to educate, heal, and empower. She’s written books, spoken at events, and continues to work closely with organizations that fight for victims’ rights. Jan’s journey has been one of unimaginable courage — from a young girl who once lived in silence and confusion to a woman who stands proudly in her truth.
In 2017, the world was reintroduced to Jan’s story through the Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight, a film that reignited national conversation about grooming, manipulation, and the psychological control predators can have over victims and families. For Jan, watching her story unfold again wasn’t easy — but she knew it was necessary. The raw honesty of the documentary forced viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth of how such crimes can happen even within tight-knit communities.
In 2022, her story reached a new audience through the Peacock miniseries A Friend of the Family, where actress Hendrix Yancey portrayed Jan as a child, and Anna Paquin played her mother, Mary Ann Broberg. The series took a dramatized but faithful look into the events that shaped Jan’s life, offering both heartbreak and hope. Jan herself served as a producer and consultant, ensuring that her truth was told with accuracy and empathy.
Today, Jan lives a peaceful and purpose-driven life in Utah. She continues to speak publicly about her experiences and founded The Jan Broberg Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse. Through her work, she hopes to change the way society understands grooming, coercion, and trauma recovery. “I want people to know that healing is possible,” she said in a recent interview. “What happened to me doesn’t define who I am — it’s just part of my story. What defines me now is what I choose to do with it.”
Fifty-one years after that first abduction, Jan Broberg is not defined by her past, but by her strength. Her resilience stands as a reminder that even after the darkest experiences, it’s possible to reclaim your life and turn pain into power. Her story has helped thousands of others feel seen, heard, and less alone — and in doing so, Jan continues to write a new chapter, one built on courage, compassion, and unwavering hope.
