Stop Mandated Shunning’s ongoing survey has now surpassed 1,200 responses, shedding light on the global and far-reaching effects of mandated shunning. The survey continues to document the experiences of individuals who have been harmed by high-control religious groups, and the results so far emphasize just how pervasive this damaging practice is.
Religious Groups Represented: Participants in the survey have come from a variety of high-control religious groups, including:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Scientologists
- Exclusive Brethren
- Ultra-Orthodox Jews
- Amish
- Bahá’í Faith
These groups, among others, are known to practice mandated shunning, forcing members to cut ties with those who leave or challenge the group’s authority. The survey responses show the devastating impact of this practice on individuals and their families, regardless of the specific religious affiliation.
Global Reach of Mandated Shunning: Survey respondents represent 43 different countries across the world, underscoring the global nature of mandated shunning. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are well-represented, but responses have come from a wide range of regions, showing that this harmful practice is not confined to any one area.
Long-Term Membership and Emotional Harm: A significant number of respondents were involved in these high-control groups for over 20 years, with many being subjected to shunning for extended periods. 67% of respondents reported being part of these groups for over two decades, showing the long-term emotional, social, and psychological toll this practice can have.
Disturbingly, 81% of respondents said they did not believe they deserved to be shunned, highlighting the internal emotional conflict and distress caused by this enforced practice. This data provides critical insight into the psychological manipulation that high-control groups use to enforce loyalty and control over their members.
The Guilt and Harm Suffered by Those Required to Shun: While the focus of the survey has largely been on those who are shunned, it’s important to note that those forced to do the shunning also experience significant emotional harm. Many respondents reported feeling deep guilt and anguish for shunning loved ones, especially when pressured by religious or social obligation. The emotional toll on those required to cut off contact with close friends or family members can be profound, leading to inner conflict, depression, and a lingering sense of betrayal.
Being required to shun others often goes against an individual’s natural sense of compassion and connection, but the intense fear of being shunned themselves, or punished by the group, coerces members into participating. This cycle of harm perpetuates a toxic environment of control, where both the shunned and the shunners are victims of the group’s manipulation.
Impact on Families: Numerous respondents shared personal stories of being forced to shun their own family members. In many cases, individuals were coerced into severing ties with their parents, siblings, or children, often against their own wishes. This fracturing of families is a consistent theme in the survey responses, further demonstrating the widespread emotional harm caused by mandated shunning.
Legal and Advocacy Progress: The data collected from this survey is being used to support our legal and advocacy efforts. Alongside our partners at the Open Minds Foundation and the University of Roehampton London, we are using this information to demonstrate the severe and lasting harm caused by mandated shunning. This evidence is essential in our mission to have mandated shunning recognized as a crime and to protect individuals and families from the suffering it causes.
Our survey is an ongoing process. The more data we collate, the better equipped we are to legally challenge the issue of mandated shunning. Please support our efforts by taking the survey. Thank you!