The government is being urged to launch what would be the UK’s first national call for evidence into spiritual and cultic abuse.
A first-of-its-kind open letter was submitted to the government today (2 September), warning survivors are falling through the cracks of the systems meant to protect them.
Image: Rachael Reign of Surviving Universal UK with the open letter
Spiritual and cultic abuse can involve coercion, exploitation, manipulation and control within religious and spiritual groups.
The letter stresses it’s about tackling abuse, not restricting or judging faith. It calls on ministers to understand the extent of the problem and identify where people are not getting the help they need.
Rachael Reign, founder of Surviving Universal UK and leader of the campaign, said: ‘Spiritual and cultic abuse has been allowed to sit in the gaps between our systems for too long. Survivors are already coming forward every week, yet nationally we still do not have a clear picture of the scale, who is affected or where people are being failed.’
The campaign follows a parliamentary inquiry in Victoria, Australia, into coercion and harm in high-control groups. It received 291 submissions and 317 responses to an anonymous questionnaire and heard evidence over eight days.
The inquiry made 98 findings and 39 recommendations, some of which included stronger protections for children and specialist training for frontline workers.
Surviving Universal UK says it receives between three and five new referrals about spiritual and cultic abuse each week.
The London-based charity’s report, based on a survey of 59 survivors, found almost three-quarters of the groups they reported were registered charities, while 88.1% were places of worship.
What’s more, almost nine in 10 were still operating, the respondents said.
The survey also highlighted 55.9% of those who took part said Black communities were disproportionately targeted.
‘Essential first step’
Ellen Roome MBE, founder of Jools’ Law and international campaigner for children’s online safety, who signed the letter said this national call for evidence is ‘an essential first step’ towards understanding the severity of the problem.
‘Spiritual and cultic abuse can cause devastating harm, yet too many victims are still being failed by the systems meant to protect them,’ she added.
Councillor Ria Patel, leader of the Green and Independent Group on Croydon Council, also signed the open letter.
Patal said: ‘I am extremely concerned by cultic abuse happening across our country, including here in Croydon, where I serve as a councillor.
‘No one should experience cultic or spiritual abuse. Everyone should be free to practise their faith or beliefs without coercion, exploitation, abuse or fear.
‘It also concerns me that many of these organisations hide behind the guise of charitable status. We need urgent action to stop this harm from continuing, which is why I fully support the demand for a national call for evidence.’
The letter has been published online in full. Members of the public and organisations can also add their support to the campaign.
Images: Surviving Universal UK and Nadine E/UnSplash
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