The report is out. Now the work continues by writing to your MP about cults.
When the Victorian Parliamentary report was released, I felt two things at once. There was elation, because after years of people telling their stories, a Parliament had listened. There was also retraumatisation, because reading about high-control groups in an official report, in black and white, brings a lot back. If you felt both, you're not alone.
I've been sitting with that mix of feelings, and with what it means for the next stage. A report is a milestone, not an outcome. Recommendations only change anything if someone picks them up and acts on them. There's no guarantee that will happen, and the Victorian Parliament's last sitting week before the pre-election caretaker period is close. After that, things go quiet for a while.
What can we do next?
The most important thing is to keep the conversation going.
How can we keep up the momentum?
Answer: good old fashion letter writing.
Writing to your MP about cults and high-control groups
An MP who gets one letter from one constituent about one issue notices. An MP who gets many, from people across different electorates, all asking for the same thing, notices more. Each letter is a small, concrete way of saying that this report matters and that people are watching what happens next. By writing to your local MP and telling them about your cult or high-control group keeps the momentum going. Additionally, it helps them realise this is not a fringe issue – and it coming from people within their electorate makes it even more powerful.
To make it easier, SOCCHG have put together a sample letter and a set of slides you can use.
You'll find both below:
Who can take part
If you live in Victoria, this is a real chance to have a say in the lead-up to the election.
If you live interstate but have a stake in advocacy in Victoria, for example because your group operates here, you're welcome to take part too.
The same process, or something close to it, can be followed in other states. If you'd like to do this with your own state's MPs, get in touch with me. CIFS has some contacts and knows of some (not all) MPs who have already been approached or are interested, so I may be able to point you in a useful direction.
This isn't a one-off
Advocacy rarely has a finish line. It tends to be a long run of small actions, setbacks, and the occasional moment where something shifts. This report is one of those moments, and I'd like us to make the most of it. Whatever happens in the coming weeks, we'll keep going.
The MPs are listening
I recently had the pleasure of meeting a few of the MPs who sat on the committee behind the report, at an event to celebrate its release. I took the chance to ask them directly what advocates should do next.
Their answer was simple: write letters.
That's why I'm promoting this advocacy drive. It's a request that came from the people who will be in the room when these recommendations are discussed, and it's one we can all act on.
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