New ‘Jessie’ Episode Spoilers with The Vamps: Debby Ryan Helps Domestic Abuse Victims

Tonight, The Disney Channel’s hit series Jessie is all new with a special episode featuring musical guest The Vamps. Series star Debby Ryan also directed the episode. Recently, Ryan turned her attention to the issue of domestic abuse, opening up about her own experience in an abusive friendship.

The official plot synopsis for tonight’s all new episode of Jessie, titled “Dance, Dance Resolution,” reads:

“The Ross family pull out all the stops to secure dates to a school dance. Meanwhile, Jessie helps Bertram prepare for his first solo at the Metropolitan Opera. The Vamps perform.”

Series star Debby Ryan directed tonight’s new episode. In addition to singing, acting, and directing, the superstar is leading her name to help victims of domestic abuse.

In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, Ryan opened up about her abuse at the hands of a “friend” who got a little too controlling:

"The time I decided to get out wasn't too late, but it was really, really late in the game. I'm very fortunate because I had people help me get this person out of my life, out of my house--like physically lock the door.

“I mean, he showed up across the country at a meet-and-greet of mine and said he needed to talk to me. I hadn't talked to him in a month. I told him to leave my life. So he threw a phone at me and it shattered to pieces and he was screaming, punching the wall, and cussing me out. Then he started bawling and said he's sorry and loves me. And then grab[bed] me by the wrist and pull[ed] me in a bathroom and lock[ed] the door"

If you are anyone you know is in an abusive relationship, you can Love Is Respect at 22522 for help as Ryan details:

"There's a 24-hour, completely safe, completely anonymous texting counsel service. It's people our age helping you through it. You can text them anything, from getting help calling the police to asking about the signs of dating abuse."

Be sure to tune into the all new episode of Jessie, tonight at 8:00 p.m. eastern on The Disney Channel.