Legal Issues
Working collaboratively with the legal fraternity in relation to cult-related family, criminal and civil matters.
CCA offers clients assistance regarding cult-related court matters. The most frequent request for assistance relates to family disputes where one parent is concerned about the involvement of an ex-partner in a particular cult which in turn impacts the influence that parent has on any children in the family. In most situations, the non-cult parent is seeking orders to prevent his/her partner from influencing the child/children with the doctrine or beliefs of the cult.
Typically, family courts are not familiar with the workings of cults and the deleterious influence they may have on the rearing of children. The courts are often quick to invoke principles of religious freedom in attempting to support parents who choose to imbue their children with particular beliefs regardless as whether those beliefs stem from for an established religion or a more alternative form of spirituality. In this respect, cults are often not well understood by the courts.
The courts can be assisted by expert evidence regarding the nature of the cult in question so that it make an informed decision about the cult’s potential influence on the child/children. There are several ways in which this evidence can be presented.
There are other situations where CCA may be able to be of assistance. These situations involve monetary matters where a non-cult partner or parent is concerned about donations or support that the cult parent is offering to the group to which he/she belongs. This may impact the finances of the family as well as other issues such as the affordability of other necessities including education.
Civil matters form an important part of CCA’s work in the legal field. The most common civil claim relates to the attempts of a former cult member to seek compensation from the cult for the damage caused by the cult. This can include medical and therapy costs, loss of income, relocation costs (sometimes necessary to avoid the influence of the cult) as well as compensation for trauma and other personal harm.
CCA does not undertake any of this work without liaising with the lawyers involved in these matters.
CCA is committed to individuals and families who have been affected by mind-control organisations
Phone
Address
P.O Box 34 Balaclava, Victoria, 3183 Australia