Has anyone had experience of a cult or cult-like scenario

[Isthisrealorjustfantasy]

Name change for this, but im a regular.
i’m not going to go into the details on a public forum but DC (young adult) has got themselves caught up in a cult-like situation. They have come out of its clutches but they are very worried that harm will come to them from their associate who introduced them and was instrumental in the brainwashing. DC is now at university 100+ miles away so thankfully not down the road as they would be at home. However, they are still very worried they’re going to be killed by this person and it’s very hard for us to reassure. I think it’s because they’ve renounced the ideology, even though the people involved don’t actually know they have. They really aren’t in danger but can’t see it.,
I really just want to know if anyone or their DC has had a similar experience where their thoughts and beliefs have been turned on their head and if they eventually came out if it properly. DC is doing so well, but we think it’s going to take a long time - we are supporting them and they have a lot of outside support from other friends and counsellor etc.
Its all consuming for them, their sibling, us so am taking all the advice I can get.

That sounds so difficult for you all and must be heartbreaking. Glad to hear that they are away from it now.
I have no advice but wanted to bump for you

I'm also giving this a hopeful bump for you ❤️

I'm really sorry that you and your dc are going through this. I have no experience personally, but I know there is support out there for people who have left cults. Can I ask, is it one of the more mainstream ones (i.e. Scientology) or something smaller and less well-known (like some local guy's group that he just made up after watching some YouTube videos)? For some of the more 'mainstream' cults, there are lots of quite outspoken survivors (Instagram/Tiktok would be one place to look) and there are support groups. Particularly if it's something that Prevent might cover (think Islamic extremism or far right group), it might be worth referring themselves via their university because there will be support available at the university via Prevent. University health and wellbeing may just generally be a good port of call for general support too.

https://cultinformation.org.uk/mobile/

Just done a quick search. Don’t know whether these can help you.

There may be other similar organisations out there - I know nothing about this organisation, literally done a quick google search and this was the first one that came up.

Hi. I have a relative who, unfortunately, is still in a cult. They have moved internationally and don't allow access, so it's difficult to deal with.

1. We have had useful support from the police under the 'Prevent' guidance. I can't remember who we spoke to now- but they had support people for us to deal with, and looked into the case. Unfortunately their looking into the organisation was a trigger for them moving everyone to another country. Just Google 'Prevent', or phone the police. They were great.

1. The Catholic Church. This is probably only relevant to us, because our relative's cult claimed to be a very radical offshoot of the church- but I'm mentioning it because they don't always get praise. They've been awesome and have offered support in a range of different ways. Several individual priests have gone out of their way to help. The Catholic Church has also been instrumental in getting it classified as a cult internationally, which has been really helpful.

There is support out there. Good luck!

Sorry- the university. They will be REALLY hot on 'Prevent'. We had to deal with one of the UK universities after our relative (and other students) was brainwashed there. Sadly it failed in our case- but the university will have guidelines and support programs available for exactly this scenario.
You should phone them.

I can’t offer any advice OP because we are still in a similar situation with our DC.
Just here to say I feel your pain and I hope your DC eventually feels safe again.

Dear OP,
I can't offer you any advice but I understand how awful this is for you as I suspect my DC is in a cult like group.

i just did a long reply which disappeared!
I wanted to come and update as things have improved. Thanks for all your advice and sympathetic replies.
it’s been v up and down, but DC managed to finish the term and is back for the holidays. It’s not been easy and at points I really did think they wouldn’t be able to carry on at uni, but they got a lot of support from every agency going - uni tutors, well-being at uni, mental health services, DSA mentor, a few therapy sessions with a post cult-counsellor (they weren’t keen on this - too triggering), but think they’re going to go back to general therapy.
They are still quite restricted on what they feel up to doing at home, but have seen a couple of friends at our house and been around our local area with the friends or me. They haven’t been home alone yet, but may not even get in that scenario and tbh we wouldn’t let it happen if they weren’t comfortable with it.
I didn’t look at Prevent as it’s not religious brainwashing, but will have a look now. We didn’t go to police as too much for DC to cope with, but haven’t ruled it out yet.
i will answer a couple of questions
@mindutopia - the cult is a local one with an older man at the head of it. Very small ‘group’ - DC only met a couple of other followers but it’s has been going for years. Not religious per se, but religious teachings were used.
@AllEars112232 - really sorry to hear this. I’d advise looking up Gille Jenkinson’s (hope valley counselling) post-cult workbook. I’ve been using it w DC and it’s almost in lieu of therapy. I have gone down a complete rabbit hole of cult podcasts and literature, but it means I’m well informed now. I’ve deduced that all cultic settings have the same modus operandi and seem to engender similar feelings in their victims. Good luck.