Cult inquiry recommends outlawing coercive control in groups

Victoria is moving towards enacting world-leading laws to outlaw coercive control within group settings, following a landmark parliamentary inquiry.

The Legal and Social Issues Committee's report, released after months of public hearings, recommends that the Victorian Law Reform Commission review legislative options within two years, with the aim of criminalizing group-based coercion by 2029. Survivors of high-control groups, often referred to as cults, have hailed the report as "monumental," expressing that their experiences have finally been heard and offering a sense of hope for the future.

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This legislation will save lives, I have no doubt about that.

During the inquiry, harrowing accounts emerged of child and sexual abuse, as well as leaders controlling nearly every aspect of members' daily lives. The report's 39 recommendations adopt a behavior-based approach, targeting coercive and controlling conduct rather than specific religious or ideological beliefs. It also calls for enhanced training for professionals working with children, a public awareness campaign, and improved support systems for individuals leaving high-control situations.

Ryan Carey, a former member of the Geelong Revival Centre and co-founder of Stop Religious Coercion Australia, stated, "This legislation will save lives, I have no doubt about that." Similarly, Laura McConnell, who grew up in the secretive Truth Two By Twos, emphasized that the focus is on "group-based coercive control; this is not about belief, it's not even about cults." She highlighted the critical need for "safe people" to help children escape such environments and to provide pathways out for those seeking to leave.

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This is about group-based coercive control; this is not about belief, it's not even about cults. It's about a set of behaviours and understanding how to both stop those behaviours and support people who want to leave them.