People who have escaped cults are like refugees in their own country, according to the organiser of New Zealand’s first cult conference.
Decult is being held at Christchurch’s Tūranga Central Library on October 19 and 20.
It aims to bring together cult leavers, academic experts, advocates, and activists to “help raise awareness, build networks, and educate professionals who want to minimise harm”.
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Organiser Anke Richter said other countries have Government-funded secular cult information agencies, and New Zealand should consider doing the same.
She said recovery treatment centres are important for people who leave cults, especially for those who are born inside.
“We need a transitioning space because they often like refugees in their own country,” said Richter.
It’s been estimated that 50,000 Kiwis have been or are part of a cult.
Richter said the narrative needs to change and people need to drop the cliches and misconceptions about cults and understand the dynamics of why people join.
“Everyone’s susceptible. Cults don’t look like what we think they look like. They usually feel really good and they could be a life coaching programme.
“People get recruited when they have some sort of life change and situation that’s when they often vulnerable,” said Richter.
There is more information on the Decult website.
