Educational tool only. All groups exist on a spectrum of control. Individual experiences vary. Based on publicly available reports, ex-member accounts, court records, and expert analyses — not medical or legal advice.
The Cult-Like Control Index (CLCI) is a transparent 0–40 scoring framework based on Steven Hassan's BITE model. We rate religions, high-demand movements, and wellness groups across four categories — Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control — plus modifiers. No blanket labels. Just evidence.
All findings derived from publicly available BITE assessments, court records, journalism, and ex-member testimony. Not medical or legal advice.
Search the database, filter by category or region, see the BITE breakdown.
Helplines, support organisations, therapy networks, recovery reading.
Dataset stats, full plain-text export, JSON / CSV downloads.
Methodology, scoring bands, editorial principles, the 4 BITE axes explained.
Korean apocalyptic Christian sect founded 2003 by Shin Ok-ju (born 1962) in South Korea, with subsequent global expansion. From 2014 Shin and approximately 400 followers relocated to rural Fiji on the basis of a 'flood prophecy' that South Korea would be inundated. Documented forced labour at Fijian agricultural and industrial sites, beatings of disobedient members, and exit prevention via passport confiscation. Shin extradited from Fiji to South Korea 2018; convicted October 2019 of multiple offences including child abuse and false imprisonment (6-year sentence; extended on appeal).
Online spiritual-influencer and self-help community led by Teal Swan (born Mary Teal Bosworth, 1984) and her business Teal Eye LLC. Operates the 'Teal Tribe' Facebook community (hundreds of thousands of members), the Philia Centre retreat facility, intensive 'completion process' workshops, and a YouTube channel with 1+ million subscribers. 2018-2019 investigative coverage by *Vice* documentary *The Gateway* and *New York Times Magazine* documented manipulation tactics and at least two follower suicides linked to Swan's work.
Indian-import NRM founded 1960 by Hans Ji Maharaj as 'Divine Light Mission' (DLM); from 1966 led by his teenage son Prem Pal Singh Rawat (born 1957), known as 'Guru Maharaj Ji' or 'Maharaji'. Rapid 1971-1973 US expansion centred on Rawat's status as a teenage divine-figure. After 1980s membership decline, Rawat systematically rebranded the organisation (Elan Vital 1980s, The Prem Rawat Foundation 2001, Words of Peace Global 2003+) to evade cult reputation. Documented coercive-control patterns including 'Knowledge' initiation under non-disclosure and exit barriers.
North Indian Sikh-Hindu syncretic religious organisation headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana. Founded 1948 by Mastana Balochistani; led 1990-2017 by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan (born 1967), who claims to be the third Guru. Estimated 50+ million followers concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Ram Rahim convicted 2017 for raping two female followers (20 years total); 2019 for the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati; 2021 for the 2002 murder of dera manager Ranjit Singh. Mass violence by followers during 2017 arrest produced 38 deaths.
Indian guru organisation founded 1981 in Bangalore by Ravi Shankar (born 1956), who took the religious name 'Sri Sri Ravi Shankar' or 'Gurudev'. Operates in 180+ countries with claimed total reach of 500+ million people through Art of Living courses. Distinctive Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique, multi-tier Happiness Programme / Advanced Programme structure. Documented financial-extraction patterns and environmental controversies (2016 Yamuna World Culture Festival).
Indian guru organisation founded 1992 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu by Jaggi Vasudev (born 1957), who took the name 'Sadhguru' ('true guru'). Approximately 9 million followers globally; major activities include Inner Engineering 4-day intensive courses, the Isha Yoga Centre at Velliangiri Mountain, and the Adiyogi statue at the centre. 2024 India Supreme Court probe; ongoing dispute about 1997 wife Vijji's death; documented coercive-control concerns around Inner Engineering programmes and the consecrated-monastic 'Brahmacharya' community.
UK-based Islamist network founded 1996 in London by Omar Bakri Muhammad (1958-2024) as an Hizb ut-Tahrir splinter, subsequently led by Anjem Choudary (born 1967). Proscribed in UK under multiple names since 2010 (al-Muhajiroun, Islam4UK, Muslims Against Crusades, Need4Khilafah, etc.). Documented ISIS-recruitment pipeline; perhaps 20% of UK-origin ISIS recruits trace to al-Muhajiroun network. Choudary convicted 2016 (5.5 years) and re-convicted 2024 for supporting proscribed terrorist organisations.
Turkish-origin Sunni Islamic civic-religious movement founded by Fethullah Gülen (1941-2024) from the 1970s onward. Operates approximately 1,000 schools, hospitals, and media outlets across 100+ countries. Designated terrorist organisation (FETÖ) by Turkey in 2016 following the failed coup attempt; subject to mass purge in Turkey 2016-2025. Documented coercive-control patterns include the 'Himmet' donation system, blackmail-file network, and total-organisation-loyalty above national or family obligation.
Originally an integrationist Disciples of Christ congregation in Indianapolis, the Peoples Temple under Jim Jones evolved into a totalitarian movement that culminated in the 1978 mass murder-suicide at Jonestown, Guyana, killing 918 people.
Salafist-jihadist ideology and recruitment network of the so-called 'Islamic State'. Documented patterns of extreme indoctrination, sexual slavery, mass execution, and total information control. Listed as a terrorist organisation by virtually all governments.
Japanese new religious movement founded by Chizuo Matsumoto (Shoko Asahara) in 1984. Combined Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian apocalyptic elements with paramilitary training. Perpetrated the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack; Asahara and 12 others executed in 2018.
UK-based mainstream cult-recovery education charity. Educates on coercive control across high-control groups and abusive relationships.
Mainstream cult-aware therapist network — ICSA directory of licensed mental-health professionals with specific cult-recovery training.
Mainstream academic cult-recovery research community — ICSA, INFORM (LSE), CESNUR, plus various university-based research programmes.
Every score breaks down into Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional sub-scores plus signed modifiers — no hidden weights.
We cite court records, BITE assessments, peer-reviewed work, and ex-member testimony — never gossip.
We distinguish high-control sub-branches from broader traditions. Most members are not perpetrators — many are also harmed.
Take the 30-question self-assessment — it scores any group against the BITE framework in about 8 minutes. Or browse the comparison tool to see two groups side-by-side.