The Impact of Undue Influence: Abuse within New Religious Movements from the Perspective of Former Members

• In Event: Contemporary Issues in Victimization: Religion and Fraud

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of former members of new religious movements (NRMs). The study relies on semi-structured interviews with members who have left their religious or spiritual groups to understand any mistreatment members may have suffered. The instrument includes questions related to abuse that are physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and spiritual in nature. Instances of victimization will be investigated from a victim-offender overlap perspective. This study's expected outcome is to better understand the controlling tactics used by leaders and members of NRMs, identify the members' transition from victim to offender, and shine a light on the tactics of coercive control unique to NRMs. Findings and research implications will be discussed.

Author

• Gwendelyn Kovaleski, Texas State University