Q&A for How to Avoid Cults That May Try to Convert You

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What if they lock me in a torture chamber and leave me there for days with no way of escape?

Community Answer

This is unikely to happen, but read about what great leaders in military engagement and tense civilian life or prison have done when in these situations, and prepare your levels of consciousness for them.

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What if I'm recruited to a cult I want to be in?

Community Answer

It comes down to you and your identity. Most cults require allegiance strictly expressed in words and deeds (if not also thoughts), and punish people who don't conform. Many cults abuse their members physically and psychologically. Is there any way to get what your looking for -- a sense of belonging, perhaps? -- without getting involved in a potentially dangerous, abusive organization?

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Question

How can I stop people from joining cults?

Community Answer

It helps to teach people to recognize the basic characteristics of cults, so that the can identify and avoid them. You can also provide a solid support system for individuals, so that don't feel alone or in need of cult-like support.

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Question

What are strategies to stop cult practices?

HaveAnEducationalDay

Community Answer

Notify the authorities and report all suspicious activities; if you can, gain evidence to support your claims.

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If the cult is targeting you on an international level, how should I respond?

Robin Sager

Community Answer

If you feel harassed or if your safety is at risk, it's best to start by reaching out to your local law enforcement authorities. They can tell you who else to contact, if that's necessary. In the meantime, you might also want to limit your social media presence and make it more difficult for them to reach out to you.

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How can we stop students from becoming involved in a cult?

Robin Sager

Community Answer

If you are a teacher worried about your students, then it's best to reach out to their parents for support. You can also teach your students to question everything and to thoroughly research any group before joining. Even teaching them about cults throughout history might encourage them to stay away from these groups.

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What can I do if there is a cult proselytizing on my college campus?

Community Answer

You can warn others about them, and tell others why they're a cult. If they're promoting something that is actively dangerous (e.g. "give us all of your money" or "stop talking to your family and move into our commune"), you can contact campus authorities about it too.

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What if I'm a cult leader and I find this article offensive?

Community Answer

Then you have the same right as anyone to report it to wikiHow staff. If they agree, it will be removed. However, as there is nothing inherently offensive in the article, you may need to adjust your parameters as to what you find offensive.

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