Understanding and Addressing Child Abuse: Lessons from “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV”

For several years, allegations of child abuse have emerged from actors from well-known networks such as Nickelodeon and Disney Chanel. In her 2022 memoir, Jennett McCurdy, who played Sam Puckett on iCarly and Sam & Cat, alleged that Nickelodeon offered her a $300,000 payout to keep quiet about questionable treatment of her and other stars. Most recently, a 4-part documentary series called Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV features several childhood stars and Nickelodeon employees who recount the inappropriate working conditions. Specifically, Drake Bell of Drake and Josh talks openly about the abuse he experienced during his time as a childhood star.

As we recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month, it is important to examine the role we, as a society, play in enabling opportunities for abuse.

Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse:

The documentary underscores the importance of recognizing the signs of child abuse, which can manifest in various forms including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and even human trafficking of minors. The documentary begins with numerous examples of Dan Schneider suggesting, encouraging, or even forcing children on his shows to participate in sexually explicit jokes or scenes. Some examples of sexual innuendo see on these shows include:

• Forcing a young, Leon Frierson, to play “Nose Guy” on then Amanda show in which he was forced to have a giant “nose” affixed to his face and two “noses” that clearly resemble male genitalia affixed to his shirt.
• On Zoey 101, actress Alexa Nikolas, was asked to bite into a jelly pop that ultimately squirts onto Jamey Lynn Spears’ face. Nikolas says that she did not realize the sexual encounter this scene resembled until she was an adult herself.
• Throughout the shows Schneider produced, he commonly integrated scenes featuring the feet of child actors as well as scenes of kids eating pickles or handling long potatoes all to resemble sexual acts.

While Dan Scheider has never been charged with any form of child abuse, the sexualization of children is a major step in grooming tactics used by perpetrators. Arguably, many adults who worked for Nickelodeon, as well as those viewing the shows, knew that many of the scenes and scenarios were at best inappropriate, and at worst, predatory.

Since the documentary aired in March, Dan Schneider issued an apology for his actions on a recent podcast episode. View the podcast episode below:

Do you think his apology was sufficient?

Understanding the Dynamics of Grooming:

One of the most insidious aspects of child abuse is grooming, a process in which perpetrators manipulate and exploit children for their own gratification. “Quiet on Set” sheds light on classic grooming tactics employed by abusers, such as befriending, fulfilling emotional needs, and gradually isolating victims from trusted adults. The most glaring example of clear grooming in the documentary presents itself when Drake Bell opens up about the abuse he experienced at the hands of his dialogue coach, Brian Peck. Here are some of the tactics Peck used to groom Drake Bell when he was a young actor.

1. Targeted Drake

• • Honestly, we may never know why Peck targeted Drake, and one of the most horrifying realizations is that any child could become a target of predators.

2. Befriended Drake.

• • Brian Peck pretended to take interest in anything Drake was interested in. Not only would he show up at Drake’s band performances that were quite far from Peck’s house, but he also knew things like Drake loved Disney so he would take him to full days at Disneyland. Drake says “He had pretty much worked his way into every aspect of my life” in reference to how much time he was spending with Peck.

3. Gained Trust

• • In the situation of Drake Bell, Brian Peck had to gain the trust of Drake’s mom so that she would allow him to be alone with Peck on a regular basis. He did this by first meeting with Drake as his dialogue coach in Drake’s home, then offering to drive him back and forth to LA for work, and even threw Drake a big birthday part as a teen.

4. Fulfilled a Need

• • Drake’s “need” was multifaceted, he needed someone with industry experience to help him navigate the work of child acting AND he needed someone to logistically drive him back and forth from his home in Orange County California to Los Angeles for work. Brian Peck made himself available to “help” Drake and his family over a long period of time.

“I realized it was all so calculated, you got, you moved all pieces into place. The whole thing was mental manipulation” -Drake Bell

5. Isolated Drake

• • Drake’s dad was always wary of Brian Peck and even told Drake’s mother to “never leave Drake alone with Peck” which threatened Peck’s long term goal of abuse. With this in mind, Brian worked to isolate Drake from his father and ultimately convinced Drake to say he didn’t want him to be his manager anymore. At that point, Drake moved in with his mother and that is when Peck gained unsupervised access to Drake.

6. Capitalization with Drake

• • Brian Peck ultimately went on to sexually assault Drake Bell repeatedly when Drake was a teen. He went on to be arrested for 11 counts of Child Sexual Abuse and was convicted of “lewd acts with a minor” and sentenced to 16 months in prison in 2004.

“I often look back at that time and wonder how in the world I survived.” -Drake Bell

By understanding the tactics used by predators, we can better equip ourselves to recognize and intervene in grooming situations like the one Drake Bell experienced as a teenager.

Importance of Speaking Out and Seeking Help:

A crucial takeaway from the documentary is the importance of speaking out against child abuse and seeking help for victims. The bravery of individuals who come forward with their experiences, as demonstrated by figures like Drake Bell, serves as a powerful reminder that silence only perpetuates the cycle of abuse. It’s essential for victims to know that they are not alone and that there are resources available, including hotlines, counselors, and support groups, to assist them in their journey toward healing and justice. I encourage you to watch the documentary to learn how Drake’s girlfriend’s mother stepped in to help him, but I can’t give the ENTIRE documentary away.

Holding Perpetrators Accountable:

The documentary highlights the necessity of holding perpetrators of child abuse accountable for their actions. Despite the challenges and complexities involved in prosecuting abusers, it’s essential for society to prioritize the safety and well-being of children by pursuing justice and imposing appropriate consequences for perpetrators. By sending a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated, we can work towards creating safer environments for children to thrive.

Promoting Prevention and Education:

Ultimately, preventing child abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses education, awareness, and proactive intervention. Educating children about personal boundaries, safe touch, and consent empowers them to recognize and resist abusive behaviors. Likewise, providing training and resources for adults, including parents, educators, and caregivers, equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect children from harm. Crime Stoppers of Houston has been offering prevention education since 2013 and we would love to speak to you and your community about preventing child abuse.

Request a presentation HERE

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of child abuse and the urgent need for action. By recognizing the signs of abuse, understanding grooming dynamics, speaking out against abuse, holding perpetrators accountable, and promoting prevention and education, we can collectively work towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment for all children. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and break the cycle of abuse. So, I leave you with these questions to grapple with:

How much responsibility do you think we have to speak up when we see potentially predatory behaviors?

What keeps us from doing so?

Is simply not supporting companies who display predatory behaviors enough?

 

Get ready for summer camps, safely!

Summer is just around the corner! Are you wondering if your child is ready for summer camp? Perhaps you’re contemplating between day camps and sleep-away camps. If summer camp is on your mind, there are several safety considerations we urge you to research.

1. Child Protection Policies: Ensure that the camp has robust reporting procedures for abuse, sexual violence, and neglect, both internally and externally.
2. Employee Background Checks: Does the camp conduct criminal background checks on its employees and counselors? Are campers supervised by trained counselors or certified staff?
3. Staff Training: Are staff members trained in first aid and CPR?
4. Medical Care: Does the camp have adequate medical care facilities?
5. Emergency Protocols: Does the camp have clear emergency procedures in place? While we hope they’re never needed, staff should be trained to handle unforeseen emergencies.
6. Communication with Parents: Before sending your child to camp, inquire about how you will receive updates or notifications—whether through email, a special app, etc.
7. Compliance with State Guidelines: Does the camp adhere to the state’s Youth Camp Licensing guidelines?
8. Safety Audits: Does the camp undergo safety audits annually or inspections by an accredited company, or does it self-regulate safety policies?
9. Previous Complaints: Are there any previous complaints posted online?

This checklist may seem extensive, but every parent and guardian wants their child to be happy, healthy, and above all, safe. To feel confident about entrusting your child to a camp, it’s essential to do your due diligence.

In addition to physical safety, it’s crucial to prepare children socially and emotionally. Have conversations with your kids about setting boundaries and reporting any discomfort, sadness, fear, or confusion they may experience. Teach them how to identify trusted adults and stress the importance of advocating for their own health and safety, as well as that of others.

Summer camp can create cherished childhood memories and provide incredible experiences, but prioritizing basic safety preparations is paramount for caregivers.

Navigating Love: Dating and Relationships for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Dating and developing healthy relationships can be difficult for everyone, but especially for people with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and other forms of abuse tend to impact the disabled community at a significantly higher rate. What often complicates things is that abuse typically occurs at the hands of a person who is well-known to, and even loved by, the person with a disability.

Individuals with developmental disabilities may encounter various challenges when it comes to developing healthy relationships. For example, many individuals with developmental disabilities may struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This can make it challenging for them to effectively express their thoughts, feelings, and needs and understand social cues and nuances in interpersonal interactions. Developmental disabilities can also impact the development of social skills, including the ability to initiate and maintain conversations, interpret facial expressions and body language, and understand social norms and boundaries. As a result, individuals may find it difficult to establish and sustain meaningful relationships or may misinterpret friendly behavior as romantic interest.

Some individuals with developmental disabilities may experience difficulties in regulating their emotions, leading to challenges in managing frustrations, anxieties, and other intense feelings within the context of relationships. This can sometimes result in misunderstandings or conflicts with others. Many individuals with developmental disabilities may also lack access to positive role models or mentors who can provide guidance and support in navigating social relationships. Without adequate support and modeling, they may struggle to develop the skills and confidence necessary for forming healthy connections with others.

All of these concerns highlight the importance of the new Crime Stoppers NEEDS program. Our team is actively addressing these challenges through a community-based approach that includes providing targeted interventions and training for students, school, parents, and law enforcement. By addressing the specific needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and promoting understanding and acceptance within society, we can help facilitate their journey towards building safe, fulfilling, and meaningful relationships.

Teaching young adults about boundaries, consent, and how to recognize signs of abuse is crucial for their safety. Empowering them to assert their boundaries and seek help when needed can prevent instances of manipulation and harm, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

For more information on the Crime Stoppers NEEDS program, visit our website here: https://crime-stoppers.org/safe-school-institute/needs-special-needs-education

A Win for Human Trafficking Victims: Pornhub Owner’s $1.8 Million Resolution

 

A Win for Human Trafficking Victims: Pornhub Owner’s $1.8 Million Resolution

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, observed every January, is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking’s prevalence and impact. It serves as a platform for educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and outreach programs to inform communities and empower individuals to recognize and combat this crime. Through collective efforts, advocates, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies work towards eradicating human trafficking globally during this month-long campaign.

The anti-trafficking community has worked hard for many years to educate on the prevalence of human trafficking and to help show various industries how they actions may be contributing to this horrific crime. Some of those efforts recently came to fruition in December of 2023 when Pornhub’s owner made headlines as they agreed to pay $1.8 million to resolve a US probe related to sex trafficking ties. This development marks a significant step in addressing the complex issues surrounding the platform and its role in facilitating illicit activities.

The Investigation: The investigation into Pornhub’s activities began amid growing concerns about the platform’s role in the proliferation of non-consensual and exploitative content. Law enforcement agencies, alongside advocacy groups, raised questions about the platform’s policies and its ability to prevent and address instances of sex trafficking. This resulted in the U.S. Attorney’s office charging the parent company of Pornhub, Aylo (formerly MindGeek) with one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds. Pornhub agreed to pay $1.8 million to the U.S. government to resolve this probe.

Details of the Resolution: The $1.8 million payment is part of an agreement reached between Pornhub’s owner and the US authorities to settle the probe into the platform’s connections with sex trafficking. This resolution includes financial penalties and commitments to implement substantial changes in Pornhub’s policies and practices. The funds from the settlement are expected to be allocated towards initiatives focused on combating sex trafficking and supporting survivors.

Victim Payment: In addition to the $1.8 million Pornhub paid to the U.S. government, they also agreed to compensate victims whose images were posted to Pornhub and whom have not yet been paid.

The resolution is a historical one because it highlights a shift in accountability from the individual users to the platform itself. Arguably, this resolution shows platforms being held responsible for the content they host, especially when it involves illegal activities such as sex trafficking. This shift raises questions about the ethical obligations of platform owners and the need for proactive measures to prevent exploitation on their platforms. Advocacy groups and lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations, improved content moderation practices, and increased transparency from platforms to ensure they are not inadvertently facilitating criminal activities like sex trafficking.

You can read more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/pornhub-parent-company-admits-receiving-proceeds-sex-trafficking-and-agrees-three-year

 

Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Annual Gala Raises Over $1 Million Dollars at Powerful Evening with Honoree GOYA Cares and Actress Mira Sorvino

The Crime Stoppers of Houston ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Annual Gala, chaired by Jennifer and Chris ‘Kip’ Hohman, was held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel and raised over $1 million dollars to further the Crime Stoppers crime-fighting mission. The event, graciously presented by C. James and Carole Walter Looke Family Fund, brought together 380 generous supporters, courageous survivors, devoted community advocates, elected officials and law enforcement from across Texas for a poignant evening that put the spotlight on the movement against human trafficking.

The Thursday affair began with a lively cocktail reception, program booths, fun photo stations, opportunities to support the important work of Crime Stoppers and more.

Once in the Americas Ballroom, the program kicked off with a welcome message from Crime Stoppers Board Chair Lindsay Aronstein who spoke about her personal dedication to the Crime Stoppers mission before calling for a moment of silence recognizing what is taking place in Israel and around the world. Immediately following, a Crime Stoppers mission video was played, and the night continued with remarks from Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious who expressed gratitude before pausing for dinner.

“On behalf of the board, staff and gala chairs, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported this special event! I also extend my sincerest thanks to the victims who came and shared their stories. The Crime Stoppers’ mission means we work to thwart criminal activity before it starts while also supporting every aspect of the criminal justice system once it’s set in motion. This event helps us raise critical funds to serve in those ways and beyond. We remain thankful to all.” said Crime Stoppers OF Houston CEO Rania Mankarious

A committed ally and advocate in the fight against human trafficking, gala chair Jennifer Hohman took the stage and delivered a heart-felt, emotional message reflective of her family’s commitment by sharing the “voices” of real women in the room whose lives were forever changed by human trafficking. As Hohman read the stories, each survivor boldly stood at their seats and received a standing ovation from the room.

The festivities then continued as Crime Stoppers honored GOYA Cares and Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods for their significant contributions to the anti-trafficking movement, disaster relief and much more. A special announcement was made that the Crime Stoppers city block will be named The Sergeant John Allen Wall Public Safety Block in honor John Wall, the founder of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) which brings agencies together to collaborate and find solutions.  

As guests began to partake in dessert, KHOU 11  News anchor Mia Gradney welcomed special guest Mira Sorvino for a moderated conversation about the local and global fight of human trafficking. As a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for Global Fight Against Human Trafficking and Actress from ‘Sound of Freedom’, Sorvino offered insight about her passion to help others, how her involvement in anti-trafficking started, her personal experiences turned into advocacy, her career and much more.

The evening closed with a Paddles Up call for donations and exciting “Last Paddle Standing” led by Johnny Bravo Entertainment. Zadok Jewelers made a generous donation of two gift cards that were bid on by the audience with one lucky winner, Vanessa Ames!

Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Presenting Sponsor C. James and Carole Walter Looke Family Fund, Legacy Leader sponsors GOYA Cares and Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Fund; Safety Trailblazers Alicia Smith and Brigitte Kalai, Dylan and Jordan Seff, Hildebrand Foundation, Holthouse Foundation for Kids, Jane Johnstone, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, and The McIngvale Family; Community Front-Runners Zadok Jewelers; and Prevention Partners Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, Jennifer and Chris ‘Kip’ Hohman, Memorial Hermann and State Senator Mayes Middleton.

Additional guests included Joanne King Herring, Tena and Tyson Faust, Mayte Sera Weitzman, Jonathan Zadok, Susan Boggio, Jordan Seff, Matt Mackey, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Sam and Barney Gershen, Kim and Dan Moody, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Kay and Fred Zeidman, Akash Patel, Cathy and John Crapitto, Sean Stewart, Wendy Craven, Chris Massey, Scott Aronstein, Oscar Martinez, Michelle and Mike Heinz, Omar and Maha Khan, Patricia and Tom Ritter, Ricardo Nazario, Don and Nancy Woo, Kathy and Paul Castro, Ali and Mark Katz, Genny and John McIntyre, Vicki Rizzo, Leisa Holland Nelson, Anna and John Reger, and many others.

Leaders from the city, county and state were all involved in the nonpartisan event. Notable guests include representatives from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s office, Deanna Harrington representing House Representative Mano DeAyala, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Roger Bridgewater representing Harris County Pct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin representing Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston City Council Members Sallie Acorn, Mike Knox, and Amy Peck, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Houston Police Department Lieutenant Tiffany Jefferson and Sergeant Joe Hughes, Spring Branch ISD Police Department Chief Larry Baimbridge, and Judges Erika Ramirez and Katherine Thomas.

If you were not able to attend, you may still support the Crime Stoppers mission online here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4ac7/n?vid=11lb31

Visit www.crime-stoppers.org for additional information on Crime Stopper’s programs, resources and events.