In this episode, Carol Merchasin joins Dr. Steven Hassan, one of the world’s leading experts on cults and undue influence, to discuss the legal dimensions of brainwashing, mind control, and undue influence, as well as attempts to silence survivors.
Carol highlights the urgent need for legal reform, particularly regarding coercion and control in legislative practices. She focuses exclusively on clients who have endured sexual abuse and coercion within cultic groups – not because other forms of abuse are absent, but because the law currently recognizes and addresses this specific type of abuse.
Carol highlights the urgent need for legal reform, particularly regarding coercion and control in legislative practices. She focuses exclusively on clients who have endured sexual abuse and coercion within cultic groups – not because other forms of abuse are absent, but because how the law currently recognizes and addresses this specific type of abuse.
The legal system inadequately acknowledges coercion in cases where individuals surrender significant amounts of money to cults or relinquish fundamental rights, such as education, marriage, parenthood, or reproductive choices. Currently, the law narrowly defines coercion, primarily in the context of sexual exploitation. It also fails to recognize the deception involved when individuals are promised enlightenment through sexual relations with cult leaders. Due to the religious context, such cases are not categorized as fraud, despite clear elements of manipulation and exploitation.
Carol also emphasizes the need for a legal distinction between legitimate religions – deserving of tax exemptions – and groups that systematically defraud, enslave, or control individuals through coercion. Organizations that violate the law should not receive tax benefits, yet the current system lacks clear standards for religious tax exemptions beyond ensuring that organizations do not operate as commercial enterprises.
Before joining McAllister Olivarius and leading the firm’s Sexual Misconduct in Spiritual Communities practice, Carol was a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Philadelphia, where she worked as an employment lawyer investigating cases of sexual misconduct in the workplace.
If you have experienced recent or historic exploitation within any religious or spiritual community and are ready to explore the legal options open to you, our experienced legal team is here to help. Start your path to justice by scheduling a free and confidential initial consultation call with us.