People who have left cults are sometimes approached by members of the media to discuss their experiences. Participating can have upsides and downsides.

 

Asserting yourself and owning your story can feel good and alert people to a problematic group or experience that they should stay away from. In addition, you are also supporting other victims and validating their experiences, encouraging others to come forward, which could lead to justice for those harmed.

 

However, going public also puts you in a vulnerable position. It can be embarrassing, and you don’t know what information will end up making it into the public. Others who disagree with you can get mad, accuse you of lying and even threaten litigation. 

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Goals and Objectives:

 

Let’s talk about why you would or wouldn’t want to share your story with a reporter, filmmaker, podcaster, author or other media creator after leaving a high-demand group:

 

• What should you watch out for? 

• What important aspects of this interaction should you keep in mind if you choose to go forward? 

• Why might the journalist have to operate by certain rules? 

• How do you take care of yourself? 

 

Get tips from a media consultant with a background in journalism who also grew up in a cult and is sympathetic to both sides of this equation. 

 

Dhyana Levey gave this presentation at the 2024 Portland, Oregon conference - Not Alone: a Conferene for Survivors and Helping Professionals

Please note: Cult Media Messaging provides education about going public through various media outlets and tips on how to have a more positive experience during this high-pressure situation. It is not a publicity service and does not set up interviews or public appearances.