Resources

Angel De Santis is a former member of the Children of God Christian cult. She is an amazing example of what is possible for people when they heal. She offers a very low cost course on how to use cognitive restructuring to heal from religious trauma.

https://angeldesantis.com/

Tails from the Commune

The Fellowship of Friends (FoF) is a controversial religious group founded in the United States in the 1970s. Its founder, Robert Earl Burton, claimed to have received special teachings and insights from higher spiritual beings. FoF has been accused of being a cult due to its exclusive membership, its belief in the superiority of its teachings, and the alleged manipulation of its members. Additionally, FoF has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly by Burton himself. This article will review the available online academic research on the sexual trauma suffered by FoF members and the effects of untreated sexual trauma.

The Fellowship of Friends and Sexual Trauma

The Fellowship of Friends has been accused of sexual abuse and misconduct for decades. The allegations have included Burton having sexual relationships with underage boys, encouraging members to engage in sexual acts with him, and coercing members into having sex with him. There have also been reports of other FoF leaders engaging in sexual misconduct. Many of these allegations have been the subject of legal cases.

Court Cases Related to Robert Burton and Sexual Abuse in FoF

In 1996, a former member of FoF named Kevin Kelly filed a lawsuit against Robert Burton, accusing him of sexually abusing him when he was a minor. The case was settled out of court, with Burton agreeing to pay Kelly $1.5 million.

In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Burton and FoF by a former member named Benjamin Yudin. Yudin alleged that he was sexually abused by Burton and that the organization had covered up the abuse. The case is ongoing.

Effects of Untreated Sexual Trauma

Sexual trauma can have serious long-term effects on survivors. These effects can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Survivors of sexual trauma may also struggle with relationships and intimacy, and may have difficulty trusting others.

Research shows that the effects of sexual trauma can be particularly severe when the trauma occurs during childhood. Childhood sexual trauma can have a significant impact on a person’s development and can affect their ability to form healthy relationships as an adult. Additionally, childhood sexual trauma is associated with a higher risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Conclusion

The Fellowship of Friends has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct over the years, particularly against its founder Robert Burton. The effects of sexual trauma can be severe and long-lasting, particularly when the trauma occurs during childhood. Survivors of sexual trauma need support and resources to heal and recover from their experiences. It is important for organizations to take allegations of sexual abuse seriously and to provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors.

References

Kelly v. Burton, No. 96CV02667 (Cal. Super. Ct. Nevada Cnty. 1996).

Yudin v. Fellowship of Friends, No. CIVDS1902635 (Cal. Super. Ct. Nevada Cnty. 2019).

Collin, C., & Collin, P. (2011). Recovery from sexual trauma: A review of the literature. The Scientific World Journal, 11, 1408-1418.

Hart, K. C., Krieshok, T. S., Owen, J., & Chan, A. (2018). The effects of childhood sexual abuse on adult survivors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 33(13), 2139-2158.

APA format sources:

Collin, C., & Collin, P. (2011). Recovery from sexual trauma: A review of the literature. The Scientific World Journal, 11, 1408-1418. https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2011.140

Hart, K. C., K

The Children of God cult, also known as “The Family,” is a religious group that was founded in 1968 by David Berg. The group has been accused of numerous instances of sexual abuse against its members, particularly children. This paper will discuss the history of the Children of God cult, the sexual abuse cases that have been reported both in the US and internationally, the impact of sexual trauma on the victims, and the importance of seeking help for those who have experienced sexual trauma.

History of the Children of God Cult 

The Children of God cult was founded in 1968 by David Berg, who claimed to have received a message from God instructing him to spread the word of Jesus Christ. The group initially operated in California before expanding internationally. The group’s practices were controversial and included “Flirty Fishing,” a practice in which female members would engage in sexual activity with non-members in order to recruit them into the group.

Sexual Abuse Cases in the US and Internationally 

The Children of God cult has been accused of numerous instances of sexual abuse against its members, particularly children. In 1992, a former member of the group, Ricky Rodriguez, murdered his former nanny who he claimed had sexually abused him as a child. This event brought the group’s practices into the public eye and led to numerous investigations and lawsuits.

In the US, a 1993 investigation by the FBI found evidence of child sexual abuse within the group. The investigation led to the arrest of several members of the group, including David Berg’s son, Ricky. In 2005, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the group by former members who claimed they had been subjected to sexual abuse and other forms of abuse while members of the group.

Internationally, the group has faced similar accusations. In 1994, the group was banned in Argentina after allegations of sexual abuse against children. In 2018, a former member of the group in Brazil was awarded damages after she claimed she had been sexually abused as a child while a member of the group.

Impact of Sexual Trauma on Victims 

The impact of sexual trauma on victims can be significant and long-lasting. Victims of sexual abuse may experience a range of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also experience physical symptoms, including chronic pain and sexual dysfunction.

Research has shown that the effects of sexual trauma can be even more severe if the trauma is not addressed through therapy or other forms of treatment. Victims who do not receive treatment for their trauma may be more likely to develop long-term psychological and physical health problems, including substance abuse and chronic health conditions.

Importance of Seeking Help for Sexual Trauma 

Given the impact of sexual trauma on victims, it is important that those who have experienced sexual abuse seek help. Treatment for sexual trauma can include therapy, medication, and other forms of support. Research has shown that treatment can be effective in reducing the symptoms of trauma and helping victims to heal.

Conclusion 

The Children of God cult, also known as “The Family,” has been accused of numerous instances of sexual abuse against its members, particularly children. These allegations have been reported both in the US and internationally, and have led to numerous investigations and lawsuits. The impact of sexual trauma on victims can be significant and long-lasting, highlighting the importance of seeking help for those who have experienced sexual abuse. Through therapy and other forms of support, victims of sexual trauma can begin to heal and move forward from their experiences.

References:

Bass, A. (2019). Cults and child sexual abuse: A literature review. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 28(1), 1-23.

D’Antonio, M., & Schwartz, K. (2017). The cult of Trump: A leading cult