People who leave cults know the below the surface workings of the cult. -They are a threat to the cult and its mission.

Shunning is a technique used by cults. Cults lure people in initially with the love and acceptance they didn't feel from outside the cult. Shunning strikes to the core of these people as they return to their previous state, actually often worse.

Actions can go beyond shunning though.

• Guilt and Fear: Cults may attempt to instill a sense of guilt and fear in members about leaving suggesting dire consequences.

• Character Assassination: Spreading false information or rumors to discredit the party leaving.

• Stalking: Stalking former members to intimidate them into returning or to prevent them from speaking out.

• Threats: Verbal or written threats are often used to scare former members into silence. (wait til Lemmy admins see this shit! -for example)

The intimidation can go way beyond these, but these are pertinent to our community. A community for people recovering from a cult and trying to caution others.