Sects are groups in which a form of psychological violence occurs, psychological abuse is understood as a process of systematic and continuous application of pressure, control, manipulation and coercion strategies in order to dominate others in order to submit to the messages that the group dictates.
In this way, abusive groups operate through manipulation, domination, control, exploitation, abuse and coertion. We recently learned of the case of Patrícia Aguilar, who was captured by a violent group in Peru, where she remained for more than a year.
- The young woman was found alone.
- Caring for several minors.
- Including her children.
- In a house in an area considered dangerous in the Peruvian jungle.
- All were in unsanitary conditions and younger children did not attend any kind of teaching environment.
“It was too late when we realized, are psychopaths happy to be sadistic about their victims?-Family of a victim of an abusive group-
Supporters who remain in a violent group do so because they are deceived, usually the leader of the sect asks nothing and gives and promises a lot at first, in this way, when the person realizes where he is, he has already developed a total dependence and being able to free himself and turn around can be very difficult. Abusive groups abuse the following, according to Alvaro Rodríguez-Carballeira and his team:
You’re blind, you’re a puppet, and indoctrination keeps you from seeing?-Ex-member of an abusive group-
The sects are very adaptable, they are able to use technology to find people more sensitive to their influence and therefore better victims. We must understand that not all sects are very large, some are made up of a few individuals.
Moreover, it is a mistake to claim that a follower joins a sect because he is weak or vulnerable, supporters are not psychologically weak, let alone stupid, these beliefs function as our defense mechanism, which wants to differentiate us from the people who have been victims. of such situations and influences.
The reality is that anyone can be caught, attracted when they are going through a difficult time, so, more than vulnerable people, we could talk about vulnerable people, because they are going through a particularly sensitive moment when they seek support. “You join because these groups have something you care about, at no point do they say it’s a structured sect, or that they’re going to ruin your life?(Former member of a violent group).
“80% of sect followers have a technical study at a higher level,” explains José Miguel Cuevas. These include lawyers, doctors, employees and marginalized persons. Abusive groups – look for bright people with the capacity to enrich the group; Will few people look for people who don’t have a potential benefit to the group?
It’s as if your heart was taken away, thrown at you and thrown in your face. –Former member of an abusive group