ABOUT US
Knowledge, dialogue and recovery
ICSA advances knowledge and fosters open dialogue on cultic influence through research and education with the aim of supporting survivor recovery and deepening public understanding.
Our mission
ICSA brings together survivors, families, advocates, and interdisciplinary professionals to advance understanding of coercive control and cultic systems, strengthen prevention efforts, reduce harm and support healing.
Our vision
ICSA envisions a world which recognizes, challenges, and disrupts coercive and cultic systems and supports survivors as they heal.
our pillars
Advancing knowledge, dialogue,
and recovery
ICSA is not an activist or advocacy group but a unique non-profit organization grounded in three pillars: advancing knowledge, fostering open dialogue, and supporting recovery from cultic and coercive influence.
Knowledge
ICSA advances interdisciplinary research on coercive control and cultic systems. Through publications, conferences, and educational programs, we strengthen mental health practice, legal accountability, responsible media coverage, public understanding, and prevention efforts.
Dialogue
We foster informed dialogue across disciplines and perspectives. We believe that principled, inclusive discussion advances research, deepens understanding, reduces harm, and supports healing.
Recovery
ICSA connects survivors, families, and advocates with educational resources, peer support opportunities, and information about professional services. We recognize survivor voices as indispensable to understanding coercive harm, restoring individual agency, and building pathways towards recovery.
HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSION
ICSA advances its mission by applying research and professional expertise to
Support former members of cultic and other high-control environments in their recovery.
Provide guidance and resources to families of individuals involved in high-control groups.
Educate the public on psychological manipulation and the impact of high-control environments.
Encourage, support, and conduct research to deepen understanding of coercive influence.
Support professionals and service providers working in this field by providing updated information and resources to assist them in their work.
Foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaboration through international conferences, events, and webinars.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ICSA's Global Conference connects experts and supports survivor recovery
ICSA’s flagship event is its annual International Conference, held in various locations globally. This is the premier gathering for those engaged in cultic studies, bringing together researchers, health professionals, service providers, and survivors and their families from around the world. In recent years, more than 100 experts and speakers have participated in the event each year.