The impact of
The secret workings of cults hold a unique fascination in the zeitgeist. Why do people join? How are they run? And why don’t people leave?
High-control environments like cults are an underestimated threat to individuals and families everywhere. While Beyond the Fence is entirely fictional and dramatized, we are dedicated to engaging with this subject matter ethically and realistically in all stages of production, and ultimately contribute positively to the community of cult recovery groups and individuals affected by cults.
To this end, we have partnered with advocacy groups and subject matter experts supporting those affected by cults.
In addition to script consultations during the pre-production stage, Beyond the Fence will engage subject matter consultants as resources for the cast and crew throughout the entire production process. Most visibly, our Executive Producer Ashlen Hilliard MSc is a Cult Intervention Specialist and the founder of People Leave Cults and has enthusiastically partnered with our filmmaking team on this project.
Resources
For survivors of high-control groups or relationships, concerned loved ones, clinicians, and the general public:
Emergency contacts:
LGBTQIA+ specific:
Ashlen HIlliard with People Leave Cults, LLC provides this list for informational purposes only. The listings below cover a broad range of resources for those who have experienced cults, adverse religious experiences, spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and coercive control. This list is not exhaustive and may evolve over time. The listings below are not specific endorsements or recommendations of individuals, organizations, or services. If you are in need of emergency resources, please see our emergency resource section below. If you are seeking immediate help for yourself or a loved one who you feel is in danger of hurting self or others, please contact 911 (or equivalent emergency service in your country) or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Finally, it is important to note that many former members of coercive groups and relationships have had unhealthy experiences with therapists, counselors, or coaches in the past. The damage that was done may perpetuate a fear of pursuing future counseling or leave one wondering who would be safe to talk to. Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd has put together a“guide to help you understand what might have gone wrong and how to keep yourself safer in the future when you pursue counseling.” I highly recommend this free guide which provides tips on how to keep yourself safe in the future.