Freedom of thought is a universal human right.

Share Your Story.

Impact Lives.

Make a Difference.

 
 
 
 
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The Mission —

HEALING • EDUCATION • PREVENTION

The mission of #igotout is to inspire survivors of high-demand environments who have experienced cultic, religious, or spiritual abuse to tell and share their stories - if and when it's safe to do so

The hashtag, the igotout.org website, and associated social media platforms are intended to provide an inclusive online space in which to heal, learn from each other, prevent further harm, and educate the public about the harmful effects of coercive control and undue influence. 

We believe the simple yet profound act of safely sharing our stories can help lessen the burden of shame, stigma, and isolation while also correcting widespread misconceptions about cultic involvement. Our stories can help the general public better understand complex cultic dynamics and how they impact us all today.

Share your story. Impact lives. Make a difference.

 
 
 

Every Story Matters

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF ALL OF US SPEAKING UP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.


As stories are amplified on social media, it is our hope that current members will see themselves in those stories and begin their process of waking up. And, most importantly, they will not feel alone and have a safe, supportive space to connect with others that can help.

What will happen when millions of us speak up?

Let’s find out.

 
 
 
 
 
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#igotout

OWNED BY NO ONE AND FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS A STORY TO TELL.

Millions of people have been affected by undue influence. Many of us have had religions chosen for us or we’ve joined self-help or spiritual groups that became harmful or destructive. We have suffered from coercive control and mind manipulations while bending to narcissists. We’ve given our power of decision making over to an organization and their leadership.

If you have had the experience of living by someone else’s rules, welcome to the human race. Of course, any society or community need rules to function, but at what point does group-think undermine the capacity for critical thinking?

At what point are you no longer choosing, but inadvertently serving a cause that doesn’t line up with who you are or who you want to be?

If you have experienced undue influence and have now reclaimed your mind and your life, your story can inspire others to get free too!

 
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#igotout is the next chapter in the world’s quest for freedom.

Who knew that this symbol…#…so small and unprepossessing, would help change the world? We’ve seen the #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo movements create massive positive societal shifts when people came together and spoke out against abuses of power. We can bring about that same level of change when we shine light on our experiences with high-control groups.

 
 
No one joins a cult. They join a good thing!
— Mark Vicente
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The path to healing may feel solitary.

But you’re not as alone as you may think. Millions of people have left abusive, controlling groups of all kinds. Under the right circumstances sane, rational, well-adjusted people can be deceived and persuaded to let down their guard and give up determination of their lives to deceptive group-think or a highly-controlling, charismatic leader. Often smart and dynamic people are targeted and recruited by these groups, with the promise of improving and infusing their lives with purpose.

At some point you woke up to the realization that you needed to get out. This may have meant leaving behind the only life you’ve ever known or perhaps friends and loved ones. You may find yourself mourning the loss of years or decades to a cause or group that metastasized into something harmful to you or someone you care about. Maybe you thought you could just get on with your life but deep inside, you feel your silence is not healthy. An untold story is difficult to heal.

If you need help creating a coherent narrative out of the confusing, traumatic, or coercive experiences you have experienced, there is help for you.

Learn more —>

 
 
 
The cult population today is the career person. Cults want productive people. They want A-type personalities. They want people who can perform for them, who can run their businesses, who can bring in their social network, and who have money.
— Janja Lalich, Ph.D.
 
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#IGotOut - The Movement

The social pressure caused by the pandemic, the 2020 election cycle, as well as the documentation and high profile coverage of the fall of a personal development program and their leadership galvanized our team to come together to jump start this movement.

While everyone involved in this project has had their own unique experience being in different high demand groups or cults, we share much in common. The types of groups vary in focus, but the mechanisms for control and manipulation are quite similar. Each person brings a unique perspective to the movement and an array of talent to this initiative.
Read More —>

 
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