Religious cults

[Merricat]

I was approached by an insidious religious cult which has some very extreme and dangerous views.  It is a patriarchal society where older males are in control of the group and women and children are reportedly forced into servitude to name just a few of their disgusting ideologies.  Needless to say I made it clear that I was not interested in joining.  The women in this cult are very young and I am old so why did they approach me?  Easy, I'm an older, single, retired woman who lives alone, has mental health issues, has no support whatsoever, owns my own house and has a small amount of savings.  If you join this cult your assets become their assets.

I wish I could identify this cult so you could read about them on the internet.  I can say that SBS ran a series on cults a few years ago and this cult was featured, except it was the US one which is where it originated from.

I just need some support right now as I've never come across anything like them. The older men just seem to be playing with me like a cat with a mouse.  It's their way of punishing me.

I feel very isolated, disempowered and vulnerable.

Merricat 😿

[ABC01]

Dear Merricat,

I disagree with your last statement.I believe you are very smart if you could identify what was happening and said Absolutely Not! The world is unfortunately full of people who try to manipulate others for their gain.

If you feel unsafe,perhaps you could report this to an authority.

I hope you feel better soon.

ABC01

[BlueLily]

Hi Merricat,

I agree with ABC01, you are a strong woman who stood your ground and reconginze the dangerous views of the cult straight away. In fact you might be helping other vulnerable people who don't recognize them to be a cult by facing them courageously. I'm glad you are here on the forum sharing your story. 

If you feel unsafe in anyway or threatened by them, you can report them to the police. I did a quick google search, you can call 131 444 to report non-urgent crimes.

More details can be found on this website: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/police-assistance-line-and-online-reporting

Hope you enjoy your peaceful life. Keep writing and let us know how things go. Take care...

[Merricat]

Hi ABC01 and BlueLily

Thank you so much for your support, it gives me strength to go on.  Writing that post felt like I purged some of the ugliness from my body.

If it escalates I will talk to the police for advise.  Hopefully it will not come to that.  

Thanks again.

Merricat 🐱 

[Fiatlux]

Hi Merricat,

Have you severed ties with this organisation and anyone associated with it?

 Most religious cults will not allow members to associate with any outsiders and won’t let members to just leave of their own accord.

I personally haven’t had any experience with a cult, however I have friends and relatives who have.

I also had a friend who was with a commonly known “religion” who asked me to go to her “church” with her and I declined. This cult is disguised as a religion and is recognised in Australia, however they too have many unusual rules about associating with nonbelievers. Even reading and television is banned, but she didn’t abide by those rules. When she and her husband decided to leave this “church” they were stalked, threatened and physically assaulted by members who included their own parents.

I understand that you feel vulnerable, but don’t let them get to you or bully you into returning to them. You are clever and have identified that all they want is your money.

Stay safe and stay strong. Fiatlux 🙏🏼

[IamMine]

Hi Merricat,

I'm sorry you were targeted and intimidated by this cult.  It makes sense that, after an experience like that you'd be feeling isolated, disempowered and vulnerable. 

One thing I'd like to gently let you know (or remind you of, if you were already aware of this in the past) is that the fact that they've targeted you is nothing to do with you.  Yes, you might fit a demographic that feels and is vulnerable, however cults also target people who are socially connected and have supports.  Often, though, perpetrators of coercive control, including cults, like to give those they target the impression that their targeting has something to do with you specifically.  This serves them, makes it less likely that the victim will reach out and perpetuates shame that doesn't belong to you.

If you haven't heard of it before, you might find it comforting and empowering to listen to a podcast series called "Indoctrination", hosted by US cult specialist (I don't like the word expert) Rachel Bernstein.  This isn't a blanket endorsement of her podcast, but as a survivor of high control environments, I've found a lot of very helpful content in her podcast episodes.

You come across as intelligent, resourceful (you knew to reach out here for support) and brave, determined to protect yourself.  Keep going - I think it's likely that, with your self-awareness and protective instinct, you'll find the support you need.  You might also find your local women's legal service (if there is one in your area) can help you find ways to stay safe and engage police protection if you continue to be targeted/harassed by the cult.

[Merricat]

Hi Fiatlux and Guest_07663658

Thank you for your support and insight into these extreme religions. I guess with the increase in loneliness, disconnection from family and mental health issues it is easy for these cults to make you, especially young people, feel special and included.

Once again for you for your support and helpful advise.  I do hope that none of you ever have to experience it.

Merricat 😼