Understanding Women’s Experiences in Cultic Groups in Québec Through the Lens of Coercive Control

This article presents the main conclusions of a master’s dissertation on the specific experiences of women in a cultic context. Only a few studies have been conducted on this subject. Nevertheless, the cultic context seems to provide an opportunity for leaders and their groups to use psychological and sexual violence against women. Violence, gender inequalities, power relations, and stigmatization that women have suffered for decades in society are found in cultic contexts. These groups often maintain a patriarchal system that views women as inferior to men. Eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with female former cult members using a qualitative methodology. The participants’ testimonies were analyzed from a feminist perspective, based on Stark’s (2007) theory of coercive control. The results show that women are subject to coercive control by the leader, which is reinforced by other group members and sometimes family members involved in the group. Participants are locked into roles that often stem from a patriarchal vision of women’s place in society, forcing them to respond to the requirements of the leader and the group. Women also encounter difficulties when they leave the group, particularly in relation to seeking formal help. Considering the data collected, awareness, training, and research on understanding the specific cultic experiences of women to help them while respecting what they have experienced are needed.