ICSA INTERNATIONAL CULTIC STUDIES ASSOCIATION

"My search for my sister—who, in midlife, fell under the abusive control of another individual—was terrifying, heartbreaking, exhausting, and isolating. After years in the dark about coercive control, ICSA provided our family with trustworthy research and compassionate support. I used all the resources—the extensive library of instructional videos, articles, book reviews, and art; the virtual annual conferences; and the referral list of counselors, legal experts, and support groups—to help our family find a path to reunite with our beloved sister. I am deeply grateful to the ICSA founders, leaders, contributors, and members, whose devotion and generosity give regular people like us knowledge, courage, and empowerment."

“I have found the mix of professions within ICSA to be extremely valuable to me as a lawyer. The opportunity to interact with academics, psychologists, media professionals, and survivors has supported my legal practice and provided a wide range of resources to draw on in serving clients.”

“As awareness of coercive control grows, research from therapists and academics affiliated with ICSA is deepening our understanding of cultic practices across politics, religion, and social life. ICSA’s annual International Conference helps fuel this research by bringing together a rare mix of psychologists, sociologists, therapists, social workers, lawyers, former group members, and affected families. The rich discussions that emerge from these gatherings provide valuable insights from diverse perspectives and lived experiences—many of which inform academic publications, including those featured in ICSA’s peer-reviewed journal, IJCAM.”

“I donate to ICSA because the research they publish has impacted my life. I donate because I know ICSA has helped so many other former cult members. I know ICSA has helped mental health professionals develop their understanding of trauma and coercion. It has helped me understand why I made this mistake so many years ago, and why it seemed so sensible at the time. Understanding is everything.”

"As a cult survivor, I believe strongly in supporting a response to the terrible toll inflicted by cultic groups. And where to direct that support is clear: There is no other organization today that addresses this field with ICSA's comprehensive approach encompassing former members, families, professionals, and researchers. Even with its frugal budget, ICSA's delivery on its mission continues to improve year to year. I am very happy to have supported ICSA for over 20 years."

"A few years after leaving the Hare Krishnas, I found the International Association for Cultic Studies. Since then, ICSA has been my favorite resource to learn about cults, and come to terms with my own cult experience. Their website offers necessary, basic information for therapists, family, and cult followers who exit their groups. ICSA also offers conferences, regional events, and publications, where members can participate. ICSA is a good resource for anyone whose life was touched by a dangerous cult."