Something Was Wrong – S24 Ep2: Unsilenced
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media
Description: Something Was Wrong is an award-winning docuseries that delves into the harrowing stories of survivors who have endured and overcome crime and abuse.
Introduction to Meg Applegate and Her Journey
Tiffany Reiss introduces the episode by providing an overview of Meg Applegate's background. Meg is a survivor advocate, author of Becoming Unsilenced, and the founder of the nonprofit organization Unsilenced, which focuses on combating institutional child abuse within the troubled teen industry.
Meg’s Personal Story of Abuse and Trauma
At [04:31], Meg Applegate shares her traumatic experience:
"When I was 15, I was abducted in the middle of the night by two strangers... I subsequently spent the next three and a half years in two different facilities in Idaho and Montana." ([04:31])
She recounts being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and later discovering her autism status, which was initially overlooked due to the stigmatization of autism during her childhood.
Meg explains the factors that led her parents to send her to the troubled teen facilities:
"Our kid is going through all these changes... hiring an educational consultant... educational consultants... one of the biggest pipelines of children into this industry." ([06:14])
The Horrors Within the Facilities
In detailing her experiences, Meg describes the abusive practices she endured:
"I always wake up with a racing heartbeat. I feel like something bad is going to happen." ([07:58])
She criticizes the treatment methods, highlighting the use of desk space and random draw as tools to strip away her sense of control:
"It was extremely traumatic... to teach me that I have no control and I need to just give it up." ([10:24])
Meg also discusses the trauma bonding she experienced, likening it to:
"You get bitten by a snake... you try to convince the snake that it never should have bit you." ([15:33])
This analogy illustrates the vicious cycle of abuse and manipulation within the facilities.
Abuse and Control Mechanisms
Meg delves deeper into the cult-like environment fostered by the facility leaders, Kenny and Mary:
"Mary and Kenny were my therapists... we thought about them as like, mom and dad... It was very toxic to be around that." ([20:08])
She recounts inappropriate therapeutic relationships, constant surveillance, and the enforced suppression of her authentic self:
"They told us they loved us all the time... we had to write in a journal every single day... 'Who I was was not okay.'" ([20:08])
The Awakening and Path to Advocacy
Meg describes her gradual realization of the abuse she endured, triggered by multiple events:
"One of my Chrysalis sisters passed away... Paris Hilton's documentary... my husband had to go to an inpatient treatment for his recovery." ([26:45])
These experiences catalyzed her mission to support other survivors and bring systemic change through Unsilenced.
Founding of Unsilenced and Its Impact
At [30:17], Meg explains the inception of Unsilenced:
"We estimate about 120,000 to 200,000 youth are funneled into these programs... Unsilenced was born." ([30:17])
She outlines the organization's core principles:
- Transparency: Maintaining an extensive program archive with over 100,000 documents on 3,500+ programs.
- Legal Advocacy: Facilitating lawsuits and providing a directory of trusted attorneys to aid survivors in seeking justice.
Meg highlights significant cases, such as the Baruch Silvers case, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and legislative action:
"Baruch's parents and I are trying to fight to get it in the news. It's beyond wild to me that this isn't breaking news nationally." ([40:46])
Legislative Proposals and Recommendations
Meg proposes comprehensive legislative measures to protect children in these facilities:
- Bill of Rights for Children: Mandating that children receive a handout outlining their rights.
- Communication Rights: Ensuring unrestricted communication with parents and advocates.
- Regular Unannounced Inspections: Conducting at least eight unannounced visits annually.
- Defining and Preventing Abuse: Strict regulations against restraints, physical abuse, and ensuring all staff are thoroughly background-checked and properly educated.
- National Database: Creating a centralized repository for abuse allegations, lawsuits, and licensing information.
"There needs to be a national database... defining what abuse is... all staff should not only be background checked but should have relevant education." ([42:56])
Supporting Survivors and Community Engagement
Meg stresses the importance of community support and awareness:
"Listen with compassion... use their narrative. Talk about it in the community... awareness is key." ([48:29])
She encourages listeners to support her nonprofit through donations, volunteering, and spreading the word about the issues within the troubled teen industry.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Meg concludes by emphasizing the critical need for ongoing advocacy and support to ensure no other children endure the trauma she and many others have faced. She invites listeners to engage with Unsilenced by visiting unsilenced.org, donating, and participating in their mission to eradicate institutional child abuse.
Key Takeaways:
- Meg Applegate’s personal trauma sheds light on the widespread abuse within the troubled teen industry.
- Unsilenced aims to bring transparency, legal advocacy, and systemic change to protect vulnerable youth.
- Legislative reforms are essential to safeguard children’s rights and prevent further abuse.
- Community support and awareness are pivotal in driving change and supporting survivors.
Notable Quotes:
- Meg Applegate at [04:31]: "When I was 15, I was abducted in the middle of the night by two strangers... I subsequently spent the next three and a half years in two different facilities in Idaho and Montana."
- Meg Applegate at [07:58]: "It was extremely traumatic... to teach me that I have no control and I need to just give it up."
- Meg Applegate at [15:33]: "You get bitten by a snake... you try to convince the snake that it never should have bit you."
- Meg Applegate at [42:56]: "There needs to be a national database... defining what abuse is... all staff should not only be background checked but should have relevant education."
Supporting Unsilenced:
To support Unsilenced and its mission, consider donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness through their website and social media channels. Visit unsilenced.org to learn more and get involved.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the second episode of the 24th season of Something Was Wrong, capturing the essential discussions, insights, and calls to action presented by Meg Applegate.