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About

walking in forest
Renee

About Me

Hi, my name is Renee. Throughout my life I have had many encounters with coercive control from high demand groups and communities that could be defined as cults. The worse experience, however, has been losing my daughter to a destructive cult. These negative experiences have alerted me to the need for more awareness about how to identify a cult so as to prevent others from going through the same ordeal. 

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I am also a secondary school teacher and a mental health practitioner with a rich background in artistic modalities. Currently, I’m excited to explore the potential of using the story of Little Red Riding Hood as a creative lens to express themes related to cults and coercive control.

my daughter and I, taken durning a girls weekend in Sydney

Renée's Tertiary Qualifications

Bachelor of Education (Secondary - Visual Art)

University of Melbourne 1994-1998

Masters of Mental Health (Art Therapy)

University of Queensland 2017-2018

Graduate Diploma of Psychology

University of Melbourne 2020-2024

What Do You Know About Cults in Australia?

I was recently in the company of two women, one in their 60s, the other in their 30s. I disclosed to them that I had lost my daughter to a cult. The older lady immediately sighed with empathy, then proceeded to tell me about the abusive religious experiences she’d had throughout her life. 

 

The younger woman listened in surprise and said: “I didn’t know we had any cults in Australia!” 

 

I was once that naive too. I didn't realise I needed to educate my daughter on the dangers of charismatic leaders. I'm speaking up now to help prevent others from experiencing the anguish I've endured.

 

It is estimated there are over 3000 cults operating in Australia, some more harmful than others. That is why I have started this website “Recover From Coercive Control”. Education is the best preventive measure against the harm cults can cause. 

 

Please share this site with others to help raise awareness of cults in Australia and encourage discussions about what coercive control looks like.

The Story

red riding hood

Destructive cult leaders are wolves in disguise, therefore, RFCC often uses the story of Little Red Riding Hood as a metaphor to describe the features of cults. 

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The aim of Recover From Coercive Control (RFCC) is to create a stand to protect and preserve the well-being, freedom, and integrity of our loved ones and society. Destructive cult leaders are directors of organisations that exploit, manipulate, and isolate individuals, tearing families apart and inflicting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm. RFCC is committed to counteracting the influence of dangerous cults, raise awareness, and support those affected by their insidious practices.

 

Principles

 

1. Protection of Personal Integrity

  • To preserve the sanctity of personal integrity and assert that no external entity, particularly one with a history of coercion and control, should interfere with one's relationship to self and others.

  • Strive to shield loved ones and society from manipulative influences that seek to sever familial and community bonds for the gain of a cult leader.

 

2. Advocacy for Awareness and Education

  • Committed to educating the public about the dangers of cults and the tactics they employ to recruit and retain members.

  • Provide resources and support for families and individuals affected by cult activities, facilitating recovery and reunification.

 

3. Support for Victims and Survivors

  • Stand in solidarity with those who have suffered under the influence of destructive cults, offering a network of support, counselling, and assistance.

  • Work to ensure that victims receive the help they need to rebuild their lives free from coercive control and cultic influence.

 

4. Advancement of Legal and Social Accountability

  • Call for increased scrutiny and legal action against the activities of cultic groups, advocating for stronger laws to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

  • Lobby for social policies that promote mental health, critical thinking, and resilience against manipulative groups.

 

Actions

 

1. Raising Public Awareness

  • Launch campaigns to inform communities about the tactics used by cult leaders, highlighting the psychological manipulation and coercion they employ.

  • Utilise media, public speaking engagements, and educational workshops to spread our message and warn potential recruits and their families.

 

2. Providing Resources and Support

  • Establish support groups and online forums where affected individuals can find help and connect with others who understand their experiences.

  • Collaborate with mental health professionals to offer counselling and recovery programs tailored to the needs of former cult members and their families.

 

3. Advocating for Legal Reform

  • Work with lawmakers and legal experts to develop and promote legislation that protects individuals from cult exploitation and holds cult leaders accountable for their actions.

  • Push for legal recognition of the unique psychological and emotional damages inflicted by cults, seeking justice for victims.

 

4. Building a Network of Solidarity

  • Create a coalition of like-minded organisations, activists, and experts dedicated to combating cult influence and supporting those affected by it.

  • Foster a sense of community among families and survivors, empowering them to share their stories and support each other.

 

Conclusion

 

RFCC's mission is to stand firm in our quest to protect families, educate the public, support victims, and advocate for justice. United by love and determination to see those we love free from coercion, we can work together to dismantle the harmful influence of cults and ensure a safer, more informed society for all.

 

Together, we can reclaim the futures of our loved ones and restore the bonds that make us stronger and help those affected by cultic actions find the peace and freedom they deserve.

The material discussed on the Recover From Coercive Control website might be disturbing to some readers. Use personal discretion to determine if the content is suitable for you. If you feel triggered or otherwise affected, please reach out to the following mental health support agencies.

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AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS:

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Lifeline: 13 11 14

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Lifeline Crisis Text Service: Text: 0477 13 11 14

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Beyond Blue:  1300 224 636

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13 Yarn (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support): 13 92 76

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Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 

1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) or 1800 552 002 (Country/Rurallink)

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OR

Book an online counselling session through Recover From Coercive Control 

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Anyone who is impacted by a cult in Australia is encouraged to reach out to Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)​

Assessments of groups on this website reflect Renée's personal opinions. Individual experiences of any group can vary; therefore, people are encouraged to conduct their own research and form their own opinions. Renée welcomes alternative perspectives that are respectfully shared.  

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

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