Recover From Coercive Control
Cults in Australia: An Overview of Groups
In recent years, Australia has seen a rise in the number of cults operating on our shores. From secluded communes to charismatic leaders with devoted followings, the country has witnessed a variety of cult-related phenomena that have left families and individuals devastated by the infringement on individual freedoms.
In the absence of legalisation to prevent these groups from inflicting human rights abuses, I began complying the lists below to help empower individuals.
In 2025 the Victorian Parliament began an inquiry into cults, fringe groups, and coercive control. As the first of it's kind, advocates and victim-survivors hope more protections and supports will become available in the future.
High Risk Groups
Due to the secretive nature of cults, its difficult to determine how many there are in Australia. Some estimates there are over 3000. Some are more harmful than others.
By applying Renée's Cult Ranking (RCR) system to known groups, I've complied a list that contain ones that rank "7" or over on the scale. Information about the groups is drawn from online information, personal testimonies, and media reports.
Groups of Concern
The experience of being in a group within this range can vary between time, place, and individuals. While some people may experience little to no harm, others may have adverse experiences, hence, caution is warranted.
According to Renée's Cult Ranking (RCR) groups on this list range between 4 and 6 on the overall scale. Information about the groups is drawn from online information, personal testimonies, and media reports.
Low Risk Groups
Not all groups are harmful cults. Some may appear cultish and/or follow beliefs that are strange to outsiders, however, this does not necessitate assuming they are destructive. By applying Renée's Cult Ranking Criteria, I have creating a list of groups which, in my opinion, a pose minimal to low risk in terms of coercive control. This list aims to illustrate that it is not the ideology or belief system that makes a group destructive. Rather, it is the presence of a cult mindset.
By applying Renée's Cult Ranking (RCR) system to known groups, I've complied a list that contain ones that rank "3" or under on the scale. Information about the groups is drawn from online information, personal testimonies, and media reports.
