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've complied the lists below to help empower individuals. ​​
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've complied the lists below to help empower individuals. ​​
Cults Operating in Australia
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 Criteria, I have creating a list of groups which, in my opinion, rate above a "6".
​
By applying Renée's Cult Ranking (RCR) system to known groups, I've complied a list that contain ones that rank "6" or over on the scale. Information about the groups is drawn from online information, personal testimonies, and media reports. ​​
Other Groups Operating in Australia
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 "5" or under on the scale. Information about the groups is drawn from online information, personal testimonies, and media reports.
Cults in Australian Media
Cults often make headlines in Australian media, raising awareness and shedding light on the complexities of cult activities in the country. This coverage helps to illustrate coercive control such as recruitment tactics, deceptive teachings, and other abuses. Media reports also play an instrumental role in demonstrating the psychological impacts cults in Australia have on members and their families, and implications for broader 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.