RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Cult Education and Support Resources
This whole website is dedicated to creating awareness of coercive control in high demand groups. Below are links to some introductory material about cult eduction, from how experts define cults, commentaries on coercive control, how cult dynamics are akin to domestic violence, and how people can heal through reclaiming self-empowerment.
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For additional topics see blogs.
The term "cult" carries a significant and often misunderstood meaning in today's discussions. It evokes images of secretive and manipulative groups led by charismatic yet authoritarian figures, who engage in practices considered unconventional or even dangerous. Cult education aims to provide a clearer understanding of these groups, their dynamics, and the impact they can have on individuals and society.
Renée's Definition of "Cult"
Renée's understanding of the term "cult" is that it can be used describe any group​ that shares a common focus. These operate on a continuum from harmless to destructive, depending on the level of top-down coercive control it exercises on its members. The Renée's Cult Ranking System is designed to help determine the level of destructive behaviours within any group.
Coercive control encompasses tactics used to dominate and manipulate individuals. Cult education highlights that it is best understood as a combination of actions and behaviours, rather than a single act.
Coercive control, whether in high-demand groups or families, operates through manipulation, isolation, and the suppression of individual autonomy. Cult education emphasises that in both settings, individuals may face pressure to conform to group expectations, sacrificing their own beliefs and desires.
Coercive control strips individuals of their self-empowerment by eroding their confidence, autonomy, and sense of agency. Perpetrators undermine individuals' ability to make independent decisions, leaving them feeling powerless and dependent. Reclaiming self-empowerment is an integral process of recovery and prevention alongside cult education and other supports.
A collection of discussions about coercive control in various cultic settings, with a focus on cult education.