Beyond Belief – Now Closed for Endorsements
The Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Cults and Organised Fringe groups has given us an opportunity to create meaningful, survivor-led change. It is our pleasure to present the group submission created in conjunction with survivor groups.
“Beyond Belief” is belief-neutral, behaviour-focused, survivor-led and trauma-informed. Check out our posts for what’s next, or click on the image to view the final report.
With a working group, 64 individual respondents, collaboration from the wonderful Dr Janja Lalich, and 935 individuals endorsing this piece, we know that this is the beginning of meaningful change.
Thanks for being part of it.
Centring Survivors in Advocacy and Law Reform
Survivor-led change is the only way. We believe in centring survivor voices and lived experience expertise in research, education, media and law reform regarding cults and high-control groups.
Focus Areas
Research and Education: Advancing knowledge and awareness for complex cult issues.
Law Reform: Advocacating for meaningful change to prevent harm and protect survivors.
Media: Survivor stories and media guides for public awareness campaigns
Resources: Access helpful books, podcasts, information, and support for survivors.
Posts
Advocates & Affiliates
Laura McConnell
Co-Founder / Treasurer
A Truth 2×2 Cult survivor, Laura has spent 26 years in the anti-cult advocacy space, working with media, politicians, and frontline organisations to advance support for cult survivors and raise awareness for complex issues and patterns of abuse in coercive cults or high-control groups. Laura runs the “Truth 2×2 Cult Kids” podcast, and is a passionate supporter of intersectional feminism and women-led organisations.
Clare Heath-McIvor
Co-Founder / President
Clare is the estranged daughter of fundamentalist pastors in a now-infamous high-control sect. She escaped the highly political, dominionist group and later became a national media whistleblower. With a history in strategic communications, community services capicity building, and youth policy, her passion now lies in research and law reform. She also runs the “Unchurchable” podcast and the “Evangelical Explainer” Substack, and works with changemakers to achieve systemic, survivor-led improvements.
Renee Spencer
Co-Founder / Vice-President
As the estranged parent of a “Jesus Christians” cult member, Renee Spencer’s passion for anti-cult work comes from deeply personal experience. She also has firsthand experience with the coercive tactics used by MLMs, New Age spirituality, and movements like QAnon. With a background in teaching, psychology, and mental health, she blends lived experience with academic insight. Renee is the creator of a coercive-behaviours matrix that helps people identify risk and avoid harm.
Victorian Cult Survivors Network
Peer Connection for Survivors and Families
Loss of community is a significant wound for cult-leavers. Similarly, many of us feel that our stories can easily become fetishised infotainment for those who do not share our experiences. The Victorian Cult Survivors Network is the community arm of SOCCHG – providing a place where cult survivors and their families can connect, share stories, and feel seen by people who understand where they are coming from.
Stop Religious Coercion Australia
Anti-Cult Advocacy Network
Founded by Ryan and Catherine Carey, survivors of the Geelong Revival Centre Cult, Stop Religous Coercion Australia focuses on the religous iterations of cults, and aims to raise awareness for group-based coercive control and cultic behaviours. Their aim is to make worship free and safe, and to buildi safety mechanisms that can protect people from harm as well as hold cult leaders accountable.
SOCCHG.ORG 