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RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Blogs About All Things Cultish And Coercive Control


Freedom of Religion or Freedom to Harm?
The NSW Government’s is in the process of reviewing it's Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. It's a well overdue spring cleaning of half century old legislation that is as out of date as wearing floral printed flairs. For decades, Australia’s legal framework has protected recognised religions from discrimination—but in doing so, it has left glaring loopholes that allow high-control groups (cults), to weaponise “freedom of religion” as a shield for abusive behaviour.

Renee Spencer
Aug 234 min read


From the Fringe to the Floor of the Australian Parliament: Religious Supremacy
Is Creeping into Australian What Does Freedom Mean Inside and Outside a Cult?Politics PART 2 OF 4 In my last blog , I explored how...

Renee Spencer
Aug 13 min read


Spiritual Abuse in Cult Recruitment: How Faith Can Be Twisted into Coercion
The recent Victorian Inquiry into Cults and Fringe Groups made an important distinction: the state has no interest in policing beliefs. It is behaviours—particularly coercive, deceptive, and controlling behaviours—that are the concern. Still, the grey area where faith transitions into manipulation is where many people get trapped. Understanding how spirituality can be used both to heal and to harm is a critical step forward. This grey area is often where spiritual abuse in cu

Renee Spencer
Jun 274 min read


Parents As Witnesses & Victims of Cults
Struggles of Parents of Cult Victims often goes unrecognised. We watch powerless to help those we love be whisked away in a smoke storm of coercion & exploitation.

Renee Spencer
Jun 174 min read


🧅 What Do Onions and the Borg Have in Common with Cults and Coercive Control?
Explore the chilling parallels between onions, the Borg, and Cults and Coercive Control. Uncover how Cults and Coercive Control threaten freedom.

Renee Spencer
May 185 min read


Healthy Communities Start with Accountability
Explore why spiritual spaces need the same standards as workplaces and homes for a truly healthy community. Join the healthy community conversation.

Renee Spencer
Apr 263 min read


Victoria Takes a Stand: Parliamentary Inquiry Shines Light on Coercive Control in Religious Groups
This parliamentary inquiry into coercive control in religious groups, follows years of advocacy by victim-survivors and researchers, and will have a particular focus on recruitment and retention. At the heart of the investigation lies the troubling reality that not all spiritual communities are safe havens; some are meticulously orchestrated systems of psychological domination and oppressive manipulation that masquerades as faith.

Renee Spencer
Apr 234 min read


To Keep Australia’s Freedom of Religion, We Need Coercive Control Laws for Cults
Discover why Australia needs coercive control laws to protect religious freedom and combat cults.

Renee Spencer
Aug 18, 20243 min read


Australian Cults: Unveiling the Hidden World of Christian Cults
Explore the world of Australian Cults & their hidden influence. Uncover the intricate web of Christian cults, both homegrown and imported.

Renee Spencer
Jul 25, 20247 min read


The Hidden Influence of Cults in Australian Politics
Explore the covert influence of cults in Australian politics. Explore the subtle yet profound ways groups shape policies and public opinion.

Renee Spencer
Jul 11, 20245 min read


The Nuances of Traditional Gender Roles and Domestic Servitude in Cults: A Historical Perspective on Patriarchy
Uncover the historical ties between traditional gender roles and cults. Explore how patriarchal systems perpetuate exploitation and abuse.

Renee Spencer
Jul 9, 20243 min read


Modern Slavery in Australia and Its Overlap with Cult Behaviours
Discover the disturbing overlap between modern slavery and cult behaviours in Australia.

Renee Spencer
Jul 9, 20245 min read


Examining Scientology's Influence in Australia: A Brief Analysis
Explore the intricate tapestry of Scientology's influence in Australia, from legal battles to community engagement.

Renee Spencer
Jun 29, 20242 min read


When Is a Cult Not a Cult? Understanding Coercive Control in Australian Groups
Explore the complex reality of coercive control in Australian groups. Discover when a cult is not a cult according to Renee's System.

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20243 min read


Unveiling Cults in Australia: Media's Role and Impact
PART 3 OF 4 Uncover the complex relationship between cults and media in Australia.

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20243 min read


The Rise of Internet-Fuelled Cults: A Closer Look at Australia
PART 2 OF 4 Delve into the dark side of internet influence in Australia with a closer look at the rise of Internet-Fuelled Cults.

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20243 min read


Online Cult Recruitment: Fake News, Platforms, and Personal Touch
PART 4 OF 4 Uncover the sinister world of online cult recruitment -from fake news to personal touch.

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20242 min read


The Internet and Destructive Cults: Unveiling Shadows in the Digital Age
PART 1 OF 4 Explore the dark side of the internet with our educational blog on 'The Internet and Destructive Cults'.

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20242 min read


Cults in Our Midst: Navigating Belief and Cultural Identity in Australia
Explore the interplay of beliefs in Australia, from the contributions of diverse religious traditions to the challenges posed by cults.

Renee Spencer
Jun 22, 20243 min read


Exploring the Similarities Between Cults and National Identity
Explore the fascinating parallels between cult dynamics and national identity in this insightful blog.

Renee Spencer
Jun 21, 20243 min read
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