People Leave Cults
Let's spread the word
Since establishing People Leave Cults in 2022, I have dedicated myself to raising awareness about cults and coercion globally, educating the public, and fostering hope.
My work has been highlighted in podcasts, documentaries, articles, national news, and conferences. Recently, I was appointed as Executive Producer for the upcoming indie film, Beyond the Fence, where I provided script consultation and will serve as a subject matter expert for the cast and crew during production.
Are you looking for a subject matter expert? Would you like to collaborate with People Leave Cults on a future project?​​
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Click to contact me below!
​-Ashlen Hilliard
Media Collaborations
People Leave Cults is partnering with the inspiring upcoming film, Beyond the Fence
Beyond the Fence is an hour-and-a-half coming-of-age drama about four sisters who fight to escape the violent cult they were raised in. The script won the 2023 Virginia Screenwriting competition, and the producing team has worked on numerous acclaimed projects, including Academy-award nominated Rustin (2023).
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Photo Stills From Beyond the Fence Instagram: @Beyondthefencemove
Beyond the Fence and People Leave Cults
"High-control environments like cults are an underestimated threat to individuals and families everywhere. While Beyond the Fence is entirely fictional and dramatized, we are dedicated to engaging with this subject matter ethically and realistically in all stages of production, and ultimately contribute positively to the community of cult recovery groups and individuals affected by cults.
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In addition to script consultations during the pre-production stage, Beyond the Fence will engage subject matter consultants as resources for the cast and crew throughout the entire production process. Most visibly, our Executive Producer Ashlen Hilliard MSc is a Cult Intervention Specialist and the founder of People Leave Cults and has enthusiastically partnered with our filmmaking team on this project."​
The Filmmaking Team
"I am so enthusiastic about this project, the opportunity that this provides People Leave Cults, as well as the chance to continue to work with the incredible women-led team."
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-Ashlen Hilliard, Executive Producer
Lindsey Paulette
Writer, Director, Producer
Ashlen Hilliard
Executive Producer
Zoë Bowen Smith
Creative Producer, Actor
Hannah K. Phipps
Producer
Beyond the Fence Concept Trailer
Trailer Content Warning: Beyond the Fence contains gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and violence against women. Themes explored may be especially difficult for survivors of high-control groups or relationships. Viewer discretion is advised.
Podcast Appearances
Are you on Spotify? Check out this Spotify playlist of podcast episodes featuring Cult Intervention Specialist Ashlen Hilliard, MSc and Founder of People Leave Cults. Or, click below to listen!
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TV Series
Ashlen was featured on BET+ and has several exciting projects set to premiere in 2025 that showcase her skills as a subject matter expert. We can't wait to share these with you! You can check out Ashlen's IMDb for more information.
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National News Appearance
Cult intervention specialist Ashlen Hilliard joins "Banfield" to discuss the "Soldiers of Christ" religious group on NewsNation in September 2023.
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​**This interview contains a disturbing story. Please take care if you decide to watch it!
Articles (Print and Digital)
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Presentations on my MSc Research
Learn more about research conducted by Ashlen Hilliard in fulfillment of the MSc Psychology of Coercive Control Program on the relationship between reproductive coercion, psychologically abusive environments, and the extent of group identity in a sample of those who have left cultic groups.
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Online Presentations
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