Breaking Their Will: Janet Heimlich Speaks at St. Edwards University
Janet Heimlich spoke at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, on the topic of religious child maltreatment. (30:00) Read more
Janet Heimlich spoke at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, on the topic of religious child maltreatment. (30:00) Read more
Dr. Carla Cheatham spoke at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, on the topic of religious child maltreatment. (13:00) Read more
Comedic actor Jerry Minor, who has appeared in Will Ferrell's "Anchorman," "How I Met Your Mother," and many other movies and TV shows, talks about what it was like for him as a child to grow up in a community of Jehovah's witnesses and what he believes Child-Friendly Faith is all about. (7:00) Read more
Jaime Romo and Janet Heimlich speak at the 2017 ICSA Conference in Santa Fe on the subject of "Religious Child Maltreatment in Mainstream Religions." They explain that RCM does not only happen in "cults." (57:00) Read more
Richard Dawkins moderates a panel at the American Humanist Association conference in San Diego on the topic of religious child maltreatment. Here Dr. Dawkins introduces and asks questions of Janet Heimlich about her research and book, Breaking Their Will. (17:00) Read more
We discuss the ways in which religion serves as both a locus and a veil for child abuse, how victims can heal from such abuse, and how we can prevent it from happening in the first place. (46:00) Read more
by Diane Cole
Now a new study looking at 400,000 youths from 88 countries around the world suggests such bans are making a difference in reducing youth violence. Read more
by Frank J Elgar et al.
An examination of the association between corporal punishment bans and youth violence at an international level. Read more
The more children are spanked, the more likely they are to defy their parents and experience increased anti-social behavior and other difficulties, according to a new meta-analysis of 50 years of research. Read more
by Gavin Grimm
Gavin Grimm, a transgender high school student, sues for the right to use the boys' bathrooms at his school. Read more
by Rebecca Moore
A questioning of what should be considered as religious freedom or child endangerment. Read more
by Frank MacHovec
A review on Linda Kramer's book of her experience being a member of Christian Science. Read more
by Doni Whitsett
A review of Dr. Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz's book on the physiological and psychological treatment of child trauma. Read more
by Andrea Moore-Emmett
A review on the account of Brent Jeff, a fourth-generation-born Mormon polygamist from the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints. Read more
by Elmer J. Thiessen
A review on Cameron Stauth's book following the mission to end faith healing in Oregon. Read more
by Robin Boyle
A review on Patricia Perkins Slorah's book for grandparents who are considering assistance from the legal community to secure visitation with their grandchildren. Read more
by Joe Szimhart
A review on Nori Muster's book of recovery stories from five adults who grew up from childhood in controversial organizations. Read more
by Marcia Rudin
A review on Jayanti Tamm's memoir describing her life as the "Chosen One" born into the New York based meditation group led by Sri Chinmoy. Read more
by Marcia Rudin
A review on Janet Heimlich's book examining child maltreatment in religious environments. Read more
by Frank MacHovec
A review on A. Hicklin's book written about the true events of two boys who made a pact to kill a random stranger. Read more
by Lorna Goldberg
A review on Dr. Amy Baker's book expanding on the theory of Parental Alienation Syndrome. Read more
by Marcia Rudin
This paper discusses reports on the cult-related experiences of these three neglected groups and makes recommendations regarding appropriate remedial actions. Read more
by Doni Whitsett
Explain how these symptoms of child neglect and abuse in cults develop and what might be done to repair the harm in context with neurobiology. Read more
by Bruce Perry
This article discusses the experiences, observations, and conclusions of Dr. Bruce Perry’s child trauma team who had been released from David Koresh’s compound in Waco, Texas in 1993. Read more
by Susan J. Kelley
This article reviews the limited information currently available about ritualistic abuse of children and describes the nature, dynamics, and impact of ritualistic abuse of children. Read more
by David W. Lloyd
An exploration of the controversy of ritual child abuse and some of the issues involved. Read more
by Stephen A. Kent
Identifying eight religious-coloured justifications that pedophiles have used to excuse child sexual abuse in cults and alternative religions operating in the West. Read more
by Lorna Goldberg
Identifying several common personality characteristics in individuals raised in cults and how cult environment influences the formation of individuals’ character or personality style. Read more
by American Psychological Association
Understanding how repressed, recovered, or suggested memories may occur and what to do if you or a family member is concerned about a childhood memory. Read more
by American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
The document addresses definitional issues, prevalence of psychological maltreatment of children, short- and long-term effects, confidentiality and privilege, informed consent, training issues, assessment considerations, reporting issues, legal testimony, and reference materials. Read more
by Lois Kendall
A description of the levels of abuse in Extremist Authoritarian Sects and the reason for them. Read more
by Alexandra Stein
Discussion of the experience of mothers in cults and its impact to the mother-child bond, the methods used in cults to control and limit this bond, and the responses of mothers to these controls. Read more
by Randy Frances Kandel
Strategies for successful litigation of child custody involving cult groups. Read more
by Ford Greene
Understanding how attorneys should litigate child custody carefully under laws that protect religious beliefs. Read more
by Terra Manca
Discussion on how the LRA's use of religious doctrine and physical coercion to manipulate children in an effort to create obedient members. Read more
by Robin A. Boyle
Examination of how children who are born or brought into cults at a young age can use state emancipation laws to gain independence when they are in their mid-teens. Read more
by Stephen A. Kent
A critique of the discussions concerning physical child abuse that occur in the standard academic sources on Peoples Temple and Jonestown. Read more
by Stephen A. Kent
Identifying the widespread rejection of the Family’s/Children of God’s teachings by young adults who grew up in the group. Read more
by Stephen A. Kent
Identification of similarities among alternative religions that explain why so many of these groups have failed to keep their young “in the faith” as adults. Read more
by Lorna Goldberg
Clinical material from the therapy of a child who was born and raised in a cult and the influence of personality development from being raised in that environment. Read more
by Robin Boyle
Presentation of the key provisions of The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Read more
by Michael Langone, Gary Eisenberg
An examination of the capacity of cultic and related authoritarian groups to harm children, physically and psychologically. Read more
by Livia Bardin
Exploring allegations that Child Protective Services in Utah and Arizona avoid interventions in polygamous Mormon communities. Read more
by Seth M. Asser, Rita Swan
Objective. To evaluate deaths of children from families in which faith healing was practiced in lieu of medical care and to determine if such deaths were preventable. Design. Cases of child fatality in faith-healing sects were reviewed. Probability of survival for each was then estimated based on expected survival rates for children with similar disorders who receive medical care. Participants. One hundred seventy-two children who died between 1975 and 1995 and were identified by referral or record search. Criteria for inclusion were evidence that parents withheld medical care because of reliance on religious rituals and documentation sufficient to determine the cause of death. Results. One hundred forty fatalities were from conditions for which survival rates with medical care would have exceeded 90%. Eighteen more had expected survival rates of > 50%. All but three of the remainder would likely have had some benefit from clinical help. Conclusions. When faith healing is used to the exclusion of medical treatment, the number of preventable child fatalities and the associated suffering are substantial and warrant public concern. Existing laws may be inadequate to protect children from this form of medical neglect. Pediatrics 1998; 101;625-629; child abuse, child neglect, child fatality, Christian Science, faith healing, medical neglect, prayer, religion and medicine. Read more
by Stephen A. Kent, Deana Hall
The examination of the brainwashing programs used on the teen members of the Children of God/The Family organization. Read more
Presentations given by national and international experts in child protection and abuse. Read more
Presentations given by national and international experts in child protection and abuse. Read more
by Leona Furnari
Leona Furnari analyzes the dynamics and structure of cults and presents theoretical ideas about the its impact on childhood development. Read more
by Kelley McCabe et al.
International Cultic Studies Association developed a weekend workshop in order to provide Second Generation Adults with an efficient and affordable way to begin the recovery process. Read more
by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
How emotional trauma we suffer as children not only shapes our emotional lives as adults, but it also affects our physical health, longevity, and overall wellbeing. Read more
by Susan Passi-Klaus
Advice if you and your child are struggling with faith and non-faith. Read more
by Ross W. Greene Ph.D.
Dr. Ross Greene explains how to cultivate a better parent-child relationship while also nurturing empathy, honesty, resilience, and independence. Read more
by Ross W. Greene PhD
An approach to understanding and parenting children who frequently exhibit severe fits of temper and other intractable behaviors from Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished clinician and pioneer in this field. Read more
by Christopher W. Dyslin et al.
An examination of the hypothesis that Conservative Protestants are more likely to physically abuse children than Mainline Protestants, Catholics, or the religiously unaffiliated. Read more
by Shelly Jackson et al.
This study examines factors that place parents at risk of abusing their children by predicting parents' use of discipline practices and attitudes that may bias parents towards abusive behaviors. Read more
by Crystal Lutton
Ministry devoted to mentoring parents in a positive discipline approach called Grace Based Discipline. Read more
by Karen Armstrong
Advocacy and educational group for gender equality. Read more
by Peggy Rajski, Randy Stone, James Lecesne
Help center/hotline for crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youths. Read more
by American Bar Association
Supports individuals and groups that work on children's law matters with education and general resources. Read more
by Anne Lee, Cindy Tew, Elizabeth Ralston, PhD, John G. Davis Jr, Isabel E. Jewell, Samuel Jewell, Stuart Christie, L. Russell Bennett, Stewart and Sylvia Birbrower, Kim Bealle
Trains and certifies adults to help them protect their communities' children from predators. Read more
by SAM SOKOL
Rabbis and other members of the Judaic community in Australia claim ignorance in regards to child sex abuse, molestation, and pornography laws and practices. Read more
by Rachel Aviv
After his son told him he had been sexually molested by a member of their faith, former top administrator of the Munkacz synagogue details how his community shunned him when he came to his son's defense and publicly accused the individual. Read more
by Christopher Ketcham |
Graphic first hand descriptions by a Rabbi detailing long standing, open, and systematic sexual abuse of minors by high powered individuals in the Jewish community. Read more
by Barbara Bradley Hagerty
Widespread and systematic abuse of power by individuals in the Brooklyn area Judaic community that included sexual assault and exploitation of minors. Read more
by Steve Kelly
This is a true part of the Muslim religion and takes place throughout the Middle East and India. Although no evidence has surfaced for this practice occurring in the U.S. Read more
by Raymond Ibrahim
Dissemination of the sexual predation and exploitation of women often of other nations and religions by Muslim men due to them being seen as "infidels". Read more
by Arzu Kaya Uranli
The article describes the use of Islam to justify underage children being married off to individuals that are sometimes triple the age of the child. Read more
by Leslie Salzillo
Although the nature of Sharia Law is still highly debated, this is an article on the use of Sharia Law to abuse a child because of abuse this child has already faced. Read more
by Harvest Prude
Description of faith members gathering to create a radio station with targeted information to inform and educate parents and caregivers to properly help abused children. Read more
by Michael Eric Dyson
The author describes the use of biblical beliefs and quotes to justify extreme and violent disciplinary actions by parents onto their children. Read more
by Josephine McKenna
Description of Pope Francis' new appointees to the Vatican’s sex abuse commission that is composed of former victims of abuse by family and clergy. Read more
by Hans Fiene
A humorous and opinionated commentary on the practice of baptism. Read more
by The Economist
Victims say that the Vatican is still doing too little to protect children from paedophile clerics. Even if the Holy See is not accountable for the behavior of Catholic clerics under the secular laws of the countries in which they minister, they are accountable to the Holy See under canon, or ecclesiastical, law. Read more
by BILL WHITAKER
Briefly describes why priests weren't held accountable by their leadership. Read more
by Frank Schaeffer
Chilling and opinionated reports by a reporter for Huffington Post about abuse and atrocities committed in the name of religion. Schaffer shares from quiet stories that never garnered much attention, but deserved focus. Read more
This organization provides information and resources to educate academics, policymakers, social workers, students, and others looking to help a loved one. Read more
This organizations works to educate communities to grow with the knowledge and tools needed to address religious and cultural issues related to abuse. Read more
This organization helps families understand and accept their LCBTQI children and others in the community. Read more
This is a yearly document of child abuse/neglect statistics put out by the Department of Health and Human Services. Read more
This program seeks to readjust victims of coercive, exploitative, and abusive religions. Read more
This is an organization offers recovery services to those leaving a religion and individuals with no religious belief seeking mental health support. Read more
This program helps individuals leaving a faith group to readjust to life without religion by offering community, hope, and support. Read more
This organization focuses on preventing domestic violence with a primary focus on Muslim families. Read more
This program helps victims of abusive and controlling environments by teaching them to readjust, heal, and rest before reentry into society. Read more
IFYC works with colleges and universities to foster an appreciation of diversity and interfaith among students and adults. Read more
Texas based non-profit educational corporation that focuses on moral and spiritual development of children and adults. Read more
The CDF encourages investment in preventative measures that can ensure a long and healthy life for all children, primarily the underprivileged. Read more
This organization works to improve laws and regulations regarding families by ensuring fair and full representation for family rights. Read more
This video exposes problems of child sexual abuse in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Read more
This documentary exposes the Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization as a profit-driven, isolationist culture, characterized by fear, totalitarian corporate leadership, failed prophecies, and improper handling of physical and sexual abuse allegations within the church. Read more
by Susan Cottrell
Susan Cottrell offers a Christian-based workbook to help LGBTQ individuals heal from wounds left by families and church communities. Read more
by Victoria Reynolds
This book helps individuals who grew up in oppressive environments move on with their lives. Read more
by David A. Cooperson
Holocaust survivor and scholar Samuel P. Oliner's findings frame David A. Cooperson's study of the effects of corporal punishment on children and the case for compassionate parenting. Read more
by Lori Lite's
Lori Lite's line of books and CDs are designed to provide children, teens, and adults with the tools necessary to reduce stress, lower anxiety, and decrease anger. Read more
by Keith Wright
The late Rev. Keith Wright examines the many abuses that the Christian Church inflicts on its congregants, clergy, and children. Read more
by Michele Ulrickson
Michele Ulrickson's memoir about spending time in a fundamentalist Baptist reform school. Read more
by Amber Cantorna
Memoir from popular blogger Amber Cantorna, detailing her coming-out experience as a young, gay woman in an evangelical Christian community. Read more
by Luna Lindsey
This book explains how indoctrination occurs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read more
by Dale McGowan
The second edition of this secular parenting bestseller brings back reflections from celebrated freethinkers, such as Richard Dawkins and Julia Sweeney, as well as educators, psychologists, and everyday parents, to offer insights and advice on a wide range of parenting topics. Read more
by Christians for Nonviolent Parenting
This book provides guidance for Christian parents who choose to raise their children without corporal punishment. Read more
by Elizabeth Pantley
Offers gentle ways to help babies sleep through the night. Read more
by Elizabeth Pantley
Eizabeth Pantley provides gentle ways to teach children about respecting others. Read more
by Susan Cottrell
Susan Cottrell, founder of Freed Hearts, navigates how parents can accept their child's sexual identity and maintain their Christian faith. Read more
by Andrew J. Schmutzer
This book contains the insights of more than two dozen psychologists, theologians, and those in pastoral care on the subject of sexual abuse; it combines current research in mental health with theological reflection. Read more
by Wendy J. Duncan
Wendy Duncan's memoir about having been a member of a fundamentalist Christian cult. Read more
by Dr. Jaime J. Romo
Abuse survivor and therapist Dr. Jaime Romo pulls from his experience in creating this detailed workbook on how to heal from sexual abuse. Read more
by The Gospel Coalition
A seminar with detailed handouts for parents looking to blend Christian faith with helpful parenting techniques. Read more
by Caroline Fraser
Caroline Fraser's memoir details the agony she suffered as a byproduct of the Christian Science Church's refusal to accept modern medical practices. Read more
by Elizabeth Esther
Elizabeth Esther's memoir brings to light her struggles with the lingering effects of spiritual abuse. Read more
by Steven Hassan
Noted mental health counselor and cult expert Steven Hassan provides the knowledge and awareness needed to help people avoid or escape from dangerous people and situations such as cults and undue influence in the digital age. Read more
This documentary presents an argument for reconciling homosexuality and a literal interpretation of Biblical scripture by examining how people of faith deal with having a gay relative in their families. Read more
by Lucia Greenhouse
Lucia Greenhouse's memoir describes her experiences growing up in the Christian Science Church. Read more
by Jeff VanVonderen
This book discusses how to nurture healthy relationships free of manipulation, legalism, and shame from a Christian perspective. Read more
by Jean La Fontaine
This collection of writings looks at the impact that beliefs about spirit possession and witchcraft affect children. Read more
by Jennifer Kolari
This book provides ways to set limits for children and develop strong parent-child bonds. Read more
by Karyn B. Purvis
A comprehensive guide for adoptive parents on effectively and compassionately responding to children's problematic behavior. Read more
by Janet Heimlich
Janet Heimlich fully examines the phenomenon known as Religious Child Maltreatment, child abuse or neglect that is enabled by, or justified with, religious belief, scripture, or doctrine. Read more
by Jenna Miscavage Hill
This memoir by Jenna Miscavage Hill, the niece of the president of the Church of Scientology, David Miscavage, describes what it was like for her to grow up in, and ultimately escape from, the controversial religious organization. Read more
by Dot Reidelbach, Laurie Allen
This documentary chronicles one survivor's abuse and domestic violence that occurred in her fundamentalist Mormon community and challenges the laws that protect these communities and fail victims. Read more
by Paul A. Offit, M.D.
Noted pediatrician Paul Offit gives readers a never-before-seen look into the minds of those who choose to martyr themselves for their children in the name of religion by actively refusing to seek medical treatment for preventable or curable diseases. Read more
by Crystal Lutton
Pastor Crystal Lutton guides parents through a "grace-based." approach to child-rearing; her methods are Christian-based and devoid of physical punishment. Read more
by Julia Sheeres
Julia Scheeres uses the accounts of survivors of the the People's Temple cult to chronicle the abuses they suffered at the hands of religious leader Jim Jones. Read more
This campaign is a volunteer-driven network of that works to help achieve ratification by the US Senate of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and to implement its standards in the US. Read more
This membership organization provides support for pastoral counselors who offer spiritual resources as well as a psychological understanding to help others seek healing and growth. Read more
ACEs Connection is a social network that supports communities to accelerate the global science movement of Adverse Childhood Experiences, recognizes the impact of ACEs in shaping adult behavior and health, and promotes trauma-informed and resilience-building practices and policies in all communities and institutions to help heal and develop resilience instead of traumatizing already traumatized people. Read more