Note: In order to best serve survivors, we may refer you to outside resources that can provide more support. Most of these resources will have fees attached, some are free, and many accept insurance or have pro-rated plans for victims.
RECOMMENDED SERVICES & RESOURCES
Journey Free
Journey Gree is dedicated to helping people transition out of harmful religions, recover from trauma and rebuild their lives. The team, under the leadership of Marlene Winell Ph.D., developed programs for both individuals and groups. She wrote a book called Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion, and has been working in religious recovery for over 30 years.
Recovering from Religion
Their focus is to provide practical support to individuals as they cope with changing beliefs. They offer monthly support groups all over the world, and each local meeting is free to attend. Some groups do accept donations to cover costs, but there is no obligation to make a donation. Anyone exploring a life outside of religious belief is welcome.
S.A.R. (SPIRITUAL ABUSE RESOURCES)
S.A.R. is an online source of information, resources, and training around spiritual abuse.
They serve as a cyber platform to direct victims to support and to alert survivors and allies of the latest news around spiritual and cultic abuse.
S.N.A.P. (SURVIVORS NETWORK OF THOSE ABUSED BY PRIESTS)
S.N.A.P is the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns, coaches, teachers, and others). SNAP also provides a large list of support groups and resources for both survivors and advocates.
F.A.C.T. (FAMILIES AGAINST CULT THREATS)
This is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about destructive high-control / high-demand groups and provides victim support services both in the United States and abroad. Right now, this is the only nonprofit we know of fighting to rescue people from cults and working to hold these abusive groups accountable for their actions through law enforcement and legal action.
FREEDOM OF MIND RESOURCE CENTER
Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Inc. was founded by Steven Hassan, Ph.D. to help educate victims about undue influence and mind control and help them recover. They educate the public, mental health professionals, lawmakers, law enforcement and community leaders about how to identify and fight undue influence. Undue influence is at the heart of not only destructive cults, but also controlling relationships, violent extremism, trafficking, and parental alienation.
CULT RECOVERY 101 – THERAPIST GUIDE
Cult 101 associates are consultants, psychotherapists, and counselors, many of whom themselves are former cultists or have been exposed to destructive cults or other coercive influence techniques.
They have specialized training and/or experience working with people who may have been harmed by individuals and groups.
Cult Recovery assists group members and their families make the sometimes difficult transition from coercion to freedom.
BORN PERFECT (HEALING FROM LGBTQ+ CONVERSION THERAPY)
Born Perfect was created with the singular focus of ending conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals. They are a survivor driven agency and provide a network of support for other survivors of conversion therapy (sometimes called reparative therapy, sexual addiction, and other labels that all seek to rid LGBTQ+ people of their queer identity).
CHILD FRIENDLY FAITH PROJECT
The Child-Friendly Faith Project envisions a world in which no child suffers abuse or neglect as a result of religious belief, doctrine, or practice, and creates a community dedicated to ending this abuse.
Legal + Political Advocacy
#USAChildRightsAct
The #USAChildRightsAct and #Invisible campaigns are a social media movement demanding rights for children, especially in environments that allow for abuse through religious loopholes. Find out more about this movement and its founder, author and advocate Misty Griffin, by clicking the link below!
LAWYERS FOR CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE
The attorneys at Herman Law have created a national database that pairs survivors with lawyers who deal specifically with clergy sexual abuse. You can visit their website today for a free consultation and more information around your options as a survivor.
The Vashti Initiative 