Cult Information and Family Support Inc.
-- CIFS --

A definition of a cult:
"Any group with an elitist cause and view of itself, which has a pyramid type of authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from that person/persons at the top. The group will claim to be the only way to God, Nirvana, Paradise, ultimate reality, full potential etc., and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members."

"To have someone you love in a cult is like a living death. I compare it to the grief of watching a person die knowing there is a cure and being unable to use it."

• "Research Paper:" Free Download (New Edition available soon..)
  'The After-Effects of Cult Involvement as Experienced by Former Members: An Investigation' - Dominiek Coates, Counsellor, BASS (Counselling) 2006
  Research on after-effects of cult involvement on several contemporary Australians.
  Dominiek Coates is one of CIFS professional counselling referrals.

• The Jeremy Kyle Show - UK talk show episode titled: "Brainwashing Cults or Religious Communities"
  See a small clip here, or view the whole program (split into 6 ten-minute segments) here. Links are to www.youtube.com videos.

• A Concept Video - from the www.youtube.com site:
  (Parental guidance recommended.)

• Material for School Projects
  CIFS can provide material for school projects on cults.
  Speakers are available upon request.
  Write to CIFS, P.O. Box 385, West Ryde, NSW, 1685

• Books

  The CultWatcher Handbook  (PDF Download) This booklet is a collection of papers and articles designed to give you an overall idea of the identifying marks of a cult , and to impart some strategies should you in some way be affected by an extremist group.
  Cults: A Practical Guide  (Order Form) Both educators and students will find this booklet topical and relevant. This guide is highly recommended as a helpful reference for all concerned in recognition of deceptive cults and their methods.
  'Dangerous Persuaders' - by Louise Samways. This book recently updated, explores methods used by various controlling and abusive groups. Louise offers practical help and advice to the victims and their families, alerts readers about how approaches are made, and suggests strategies for avoiding them. (The entire book can be downloaded free via this link)

• Downloads
  • Research Paper - After-effects of cult involvement. (New Edition available soon..)
  • CultWatcher Handbook - A basic overview of how cults work.
  • Powerpoint Presentation - What Is A Cult?
  • 'Dangerous Persuaders' - by Louise Samways. This book recently updated, explores methods used by various controlling and abusive groups.
    (The entire book can be downloaded free via this link)