RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Disclaimer:
Renée uses 12 criteria with ratings of 0-3 to assess groups and provide an overall ranking out of 10 that reflects levels of coercive control. These assessments are based upon media reports, personal testimonies, and other research. The findings reflect her personal opinions which may differ to others. She is mindful that groups can change over time, for the better or worst, and that the experiences of individuals may vary within any group. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.
Political
Sovereign Citizens
Also known as Sovereign Citizens Movement, Freemen on the Land, State Citizens, or Constitutionalists
No individual founder; some influential figures have progressed the movement
c.1970s -
Established in America. Current countries involved include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand
Estimated followers: Unknown (10,000s)
Summary of Beliefs
The Sovereign Citizens movement is grounded in the belief that individuals can declare themselves independent of government authority and laws. Adherents assert that they are not subject to the legal systems of their respective countries, claiming that governmental institutions are illegitimate or unconstitutional. They often reject the authority of the state, including its legal system, taxes, and law enforcement, and instead adhere to a belief in personal sovereignty. Sovereign Citizens frequently use pseudo-legal arguments and unconventional interpretations of law to justify their actions and challenge the validity of government actions.
Central to Sovereign Citizen ideology is the idea that individuals can opt out of legal and governmental obligations by asserting their sovereignty through various declarations and documents. They often employ tactics such as filing frivolous lawsuits, refusing to pay taxes, and engaging in confrontational interactions with law enforcement. This ideology is supported by a network of self-styled "sovereign citizen" experts who propagate these beliefs through seminars, literature, and online forums. The movement's actions and beliefs can lead to legal and social conflicts, as its followers frequently come into conflict with authorities over issues such as vehicle registration, property disputes, and other legal matters.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
The Sovereign Citizens movement in Australia is part of a global ideology asserting that individuals are not subject to statutory laws or governmental authority. Followers typically believe in their interpretation of common law and often refuse to adhere to governmental regulations, which leads to frequent legal confrontations.
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 3
Though the movement lacks centralised leadership, it has influential figures and disseminates a rigid set of beliefs that members are expected to follow strictly.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 3
Information is highly controlled through selective and often misleading legal interpretations, creating an insular environment where external views are dismissed.
3. Deception
Score: 3
The movement propagates deceptive and unfounded legal theories, leading members to believe they can evade statutory laws and tax obligations.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 3
Sovereign Citizens claim to possess esoteric legal knowledge, which they believe grants them immunity from government laws, reinforcing a sense of elitism.
5. Exploitation
Score: 2
Financial exploitation can occur, with members sometimes paying for legal advice or services based on pseudo-legal theories, leading to potential financial ruin.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 3
The movement instils fear of government oppression and encourages confrontational behaviour, which can intimidate members into deeper adherence to its ideologies.
7. Isolation
Score: 2
Members are often socially isolated by their beliefs and actions, which alienate them from mainstream society and can lead to estrangement from family and friends.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 2
While daily routines are not overtly controlled, the constant challenge of legal norms significantly impacts members' daily lives and interactions with authorities.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 2
Peer pressure and community reinforcement within the movement serve to monitor and ensure compliance with the group's ideologies.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 2
Non-compliance with the movement’s beliefs often leads to social ostracism or pressure rather than formal punitive measures.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 3
Extensive indoctrination and reinforcement of anti-government ideologies through legal seminars and materials transform members’ perceptions of law and governance.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 3
A strong dichotomy is maintained between members and "the system," fostering hostility towards government authorities and mainstream society.
Total Score: 31/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 9. Highly Destructive Cult
The Sovereign Citizens movement in Australia exhibits many cult-like characteristics, particularly in its authoritarian stance, manipulation of information, and indoctrination practices. These behaviours pose significant risks, leading to legal troubles and social isolation for its members.
Further Reading
There’s no solidarity in ‘sovereign citizen’ protests — only incoherent rage
‘Sovereign citizen’ conspiracists targeting Aboriginal Australians put native title claims at risk
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
Sovereign Citizens
No known response.
Online Counselling Available for Cult and Coercive Control Recovery
Recover From Coercive Control offers online counselling for individuals and families impacted by cults, high-control groups, or coercive relationships. Whether you’re currently entangled, recently exited, or supporting a loved one through their recovery, this space is for you. Sessions are trauma-informed, grounded in psychological research and lived experience, and tailored to help you rebuild autonomy, process grief, and make sense of what happened.