The Cult Vault

26/01/2025

This week I am releasing an episode that felt more difficult to record and edit than usual. I sat down to talk with Abortion Specialist Dr. Warren Hern, who has been providing abortion healthcare to women in America since the 1970's.

There isn't much I can say on the matter that isn't explicitly put forward by Dr. Hern in this episode. Despite difficulties with the subject matter (and the technical side of recording!), I hope this conversation can be as insightful and as much of an education to others as it was for me.

The episode comes with triggers warnings of human rights violations on multiple levels.

For more on Dr. Hern, please check out his new publication "Abortion in the Age of Unreason" - https://amzn.eu/d/881Nrt2

"In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Dr. Warren Hern, a prominent abortion provider, discusses his extensive career in women's healthcare, the evolution of abortion access since 1975, and the current political landscape affecting reproductive rights.

He highlights the psychological toll on women seeking abortions, the threats faced by providers, and the implications of restrictive legislation on healthcare access. Dr. Hern emphasises the importance of Colorado's pro-choice stance and reflects on the future of abortion access in the United States amidst growing political challenges. In this conversation, Dr. Hern discusses the current state of abortion rights and women's healthcare in America, emphasising the challenges posed by political climates and the importance of safe abortion access.

He shares insights on the role of healthcare providers, the impact of personal experiences on women's health, and the generational perspectives on women's rights. The conversation highlights the urgency of advocating for reproductive rights amidst a backdrop of increasing restrictions and societal pressures."

25/01/2025

Introducing "Abusement": A New Term to Understand Coercive Control Across Contexts (And How Contexts Are Linked!)

In my work with various forms of coercive control, I've identified a common, disturbing thread: instances where abusers not only seek to control but also derive pleasure from the distress of others. I propose a new term to encapsulate this dynamic: "abusement." This term merges "abuse" and "amusement" to describe situations where pleasure is gained from exercising control and inflicting pain.

What Does Abusement Look Like?

Abusive Relationships: In this context, abusers might use emotional manipulation, such as gaslighting or public humiliation, to degrade their partners for personal amusement. They might also create scenarios where the partner feels compelled to earn the abuser's approval or affection, only to pull it away as a form of psychological torture.

Workplace Coercion: Here, abusement could occur when a supervisor or colleague takes pleasure in exerting power over others, such as setting unrealistic deadlines, giving demeaning feedback, or orchestrating scenarios that set employees up for failure, all while enjoying the distress it causes.

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Traffickers might revel in the control and manipulation of their victims, treating human beings as commodities. Examples include forcing victims to compete for basic necessities or pitting individuals against each other, all for the trafficker's entertainment or to maintain control.

Cults: Leaders may use abusement by creating an environment of extreme psychological manipulation. They might enjoy the power of deciding who is "worthy" or "unworthy," using public shaming or harsh punishments as tools to thrill themselves at the expense of followers' well-being.

Sports Coercion: Coaches or teammates might use abusement through hazing rituals or by pushing athletes beyond their physical limits, disregarding their health or consent, and finding pleasure in their dominance and the suffering it causes.

Elder Abuse: This can include caregivers who take pleasure in withholding care, teasing, or belittling the elderly, or making them perform tasks they know are difficult, as a form of amusement and a show of control.

Connecting the Dots Through Coercive Control: These examples across varying contexts might seem distinct, but the threads of coercive control bind them—a strategy abusers use to dominate and restrict the freedoms of others for personal gain. "Abusement" captures not just the tactics but also the abusers' emotional investment in the process. It spotlights the grim satisfaction abusers derive from the act of control itself.

Understanding "abusement" helps us recognise patterns of behaviour that transcend individual circumstances and point to a broader cultural and psychological problem of coercion. This awareness is crucial—it empowers us to fight more effectively against the myriad forms of abuse permeating our societies.

05/12/2024

28/11/2024

Yesterday marks the first time of officially presenting my MSc research on to a group of amazing individuals. The audience was made up of front line workers, prosecutors, survivors, lawyers, experts and professionals, all working in some capacity with cases of Spiritual and Ritual Abuse. It was an intimidating room! But the atmosphere was supportive, encouraging, curious and compassionate.

Many survivors stood up to share their experiences. Each talk was inspiring and showed exactly why this type of research is not only necessary for understanding and tackling coercive control but also how it wouldn’t be possible without the voices of those speaking out.

Thank you so much to for the experience and for putting this powerful event together. It was an honour to be part of such a monumental day.

Today I took myself cold-water swimming to reflect on yesterday as a whole, and decompress from the wealth of information. It was a brisk 4 degrees! But so worth it.

18/11/2024

Today marks 46 years since the Jonestown Massacre where more than 900 people lost their lives. Before this tragic day, but more significantly after, there has been a continuous and passionate effort to inform and educate the world about the insidious nature of cults, how they operate all around us, and how survivors can recover/how we can support survivors.

This effort has been driven by experts and survivors on a global scale and it is only growing in speed and breadth. Learn the signs of cultic manipulation and presence. Spread the word. Talk with your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues. Knowledge is power and with knowledge, we may not be doomed to repeat the past.

Today my thoughts are with those impacted by cults and coercive control. ❤️

17/11/2024

22/10/2024

Only gone and bagged myself a First Class Master’s Degree👩‍🎓 💃

Took myself for a cold water dip to celebrate! 🥳

22/10/2024

Only gone and bagged myself a First Class Master’s Degree👩‍🎓 💃

17/10/2024

Tonight I went cold water dipping in the North Sea under a full super moon. It was exhilarating and healing!

Highly recommended if you have a good team and some safety knowledge!

14/10/2024

The Decult - Cult Awareness Conference is THIS WEEKEND! And virtual tickets are still available here - https://decult.net/

Meaning you can stream talks from survivors and experts all weekend from the comfort of your couch, bed, office or favourite coffee shop!

The First New Zealand Cult Conference. Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. 19 – 20 October 2024

08/10/2024

!! I am so pleased and excited to announce that I will be presenting at the National Working Group Against Spiritual and Ritual Abuse (NWG SARA) conference in Manchester, November 2024. This will be the first formal presentation on my MSc research study results.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spiritual-and-ritual-abuse-survivor-stories-conference-tickets-893215751357?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1rg862t%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMzIyNzk3NDc1LjE3MTQ0NjkwNDk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AMTcxNDQ2OTA0OS4xLjEuMTcxNDQ2OTA4MS4wLjAuMA..

What is the National Working Group Against Spiritual and Ritual Abuse?
The NWG SARA was appointed by the UK government in 2011 by Tim Loughton MP, in response to an increased rate of crimes that were linked to SARA (spiritual and ritual abuse) and accusations of witchcraft.

Its aim is to help raise awareness and encourage practical steps to be taken to prevent abuse linked to spiritual and ritual beliefs.
We work in partnership with the government, statutory partners, local authorities, charities and faith organisations.

We seek to bring continued awareness, understanding and positive change in order to safeguard everyone from all types of spiritual and ritual abuse, including accusations of witchcraft.
Any questions? Let us know below FOLLOW to show support.

Please tag us in content relating to SARA cases🕯️
💭Are you interested in attending our first conference taking place on the 27th November in Manchester?
🎟️Hit the link in our bio and purchase your tickets today.
NWG SARA🕯️

22/09/2024

Always my favourite weekend of the year. Thank you so much to for having me back again. So much incredible content, both informative and moving. It goes so fast, and I’m already looking forward to the next event.

Thank you to every person I had the chance to speak with about cults and coercive control. Knowledge is power!

Visit crimecon.co.uk. Tickets are already on sale, reduced this weekend, with an extra 10% off using the code CULT at the checkout!

14/09/2024

ONE WEEK TO GO! I cannot WAIT for next weekend in London. So many amazing talks, experiences and content creators all in one place. Will you be there? There are still tickets left and you can get 10% off using the code CULT at the checkout!
Visit www.crimecon.co.uk today!

21/08/2024

Only 4 weeks to go until I finish my MASTERS DEGREE and travel on down to London for Crimecon UK to celebrate. I can’t wait to be back with friends and fellow content creators, and to access the UK’s number 1 true crime event here in the UK.

The 21st and 22nd of September will showcase the best in education and advocacy in the world of true crime. Will you be there?! Use code CULT at the checkout of www.crimecon.co.uk to get 10% off your tickets - with more pricing options than ever this year!

CrimeCon London and Glasgow. The ultimate true crime event has got bigger. Glasgow 27th April 2024 and London 21st and 22nd June 2024.