Welcome to a safe, carefully moderated world of testimonials from survivors of undue influence, or those who are trying to leave high control groups or coercive relationships. This is a space to share your story, or to comment on others’ stories and show your support. This platform is meant to assist people who have left, or who want to leave, cults. You may be thinking about leaving, but not able or ready to. Above all, we hope that reading others’ stories will help you gain the strength or perspective that you need to break away from a controlling group.
Please share your stories. We believe that recovering from cults or coercive relationships begins with speaking out and seeking support. Your post will be anonymous, however, you choose to share your name. Please remember to practice self-care if reading these stories is triggering to you. We are committed to making sure that everyone submitting and reading stories on this site feels safe.
You are not alone.
Stories
IFB Cult. Spiritual/Mental Abuse. Church & Family Corruption
My name is Matt Thomas and I need help. I have been vigorously harassed by a religious IFB cult. Last September my sister died of suicide but I believe that she was murdered and that her death was staged to look like a suicide. There are just way too many red flags that make me…
I Was Married To a Cult Leader Who Imprisoned Me In A Shed
In 2004, at 20 years old, I married Devlin, a leader of a cult. I had no idea the nightmare I would live through. It would be 17+ years before I would be free. I lived like a slave. The cult taught that women should obey their husbands in ALL things and divorce would send…
Predatory Alienation Should Be Illegal
Since 2012, NJ Safe & Sound (www.njsafeandsound.org) volunteers have been advocating for public policy to address predatory alienation and coercive control.
Protecting Children From Unethical Persuasion
I hope that knowing these top ten unethical persuasion methods will give everyone the information and knowledge to critically assess any group they choose to associate with now and in the future.
Escaping the Jehovah’s Witnesses Cult AKA Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
Why didn’t the teachers observe my behaviors and investigate why this was happening to me? I’d look at other little girls at school and would wish to have their life. I believed I was bad and evil and i deserved to be abused.
Echoes of silence.
My story is not one that will end up on the NY TIMES.. it won’t even turn heads. I was a mere follower, a devout Christian in a Pentecostal church in its start up.