Uniting against systematic abuse

High-Control Risk Checklist

These are some quizzes you can take to help you figure out how to prevent your group from becoming a high-control group, or how to mitigate current patterns. They are completely anonymous self-test tools for your organisation.

Leader’s Self-Reflection Mini-Checklist

Answer honestly. “Yes” or “Maybe” suggests areas to watch.

1. Am I becoming the sole authority?
2. Are people afraid to disagree with me?
3. Am I interpreting disagreement as betrayal?
4. Do I feel justified in controlling others “for their good”?
5. Do members have fewer outside friends than before joining?
6. Am I financially dependent on follower loyalty?
7. Would the group function without me for a month?
8. Could a newcomer understand our governance within 10 minutes?
9. If a journalist visited tomorrow, would I feel comfortable?

Full Checklist: Preventing Drift Into High-Control Dynamics

1. Leadership Structure & Power Boundaries

1.1 Do you encourage open disagreement?
1.2 Is leadership shared, rotated, or independently overseen?
1.3 Do you avoid claiming special moral/spiritual status?
1.4 Can members say “no” without punishment or coldness?

2. Transparency & Accountability

2.1 Are rules, finances, and decisions fully transparent?
2.2 Do you have a formal safeguarding/complaints process?
2.3 Are major decisions documented and shared?
2.4 Do you avoid excessive confidentiality/NDAs?

3. Healthy Teaching & Belief Practices

3.1 Do you avoid claiming absolute certainty?
3.2 Do you expose members to alternative viewpoints?
3.3 Do you avoid fear-based messaging?
3.4 Are beliefs updated when evidence changes?

4. Consent, Boundaries & Personal Autonomy

4.1 Are people free to choose their level of involvement?
4.2 Are boundaries around sexuality, sleep, diet respected?
4.3 Are “optional” activities truly optional?
4.4 Do you avoid telling people who to date or befriend?

5. Emotional Climate & Group Culture

5.1 Is praise consistent (not used as manipulation)?
5.2 Do you neutralise “us vs them” narratives?
5.3 Do you avoid shaming language?
5.4 Do you model emotional regulation?

6. Recruitment & Marketing Ethics

6.1 Is marketing accurate and not overpromising?
6.2 Are free tasters clearly separate from upsells?
6.3 Are vulnerable people given extra protections?
6.4 Are members free to invite/not invite others?

7. Financial Integrity

7.1 Are fees transparent and fair?
7.2 Do leaders receive reasonable compensation?
7.3 Do you avoid creating financial dependency?
7.4 Are donations voluntary and not tied to status?

8. Safeguards Against Escalation or Crisis Drift

8.1 Do you have a leadership continuity plan?
8.2 Do you avoid rapid doctrine changes during crises?
8.3 Do you bring in external advisors during difficulty?
8.4 Can members leave freely without punishment?

Organisation Details (optional)





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