COERCIVE CONTROL, UNDUE INFLUENCE, AND CULTS
Kohn Swift represents plaintiffs in litigation involving victims of coercive control, undue influence, and cults.
COERCION AND UNDUE INFLUENCE
Coercion, also known as coercive control, is the act of manipulating an individual or group to act against their best interests, using violence, threats, intimidation, or psychological techniques. It is usually a gradual process over a period of time in which peoples’ behaviors change, often beyond recognition.
The legal term for coercion or coercive control is “undue influence.” Brainwashing, thought reform, and mind control are other phrases people use to describe coercion.
CULTS
According to the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, a destructive cult is “a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or group of people that have dictatorial control. It uses deception to recruit new members and does not tell them what the group is, what the group actually believes, and what will be expected of them if they become members. It also uses undue influence to keep people dependent, obedient, and loyal.”
Kohn Swift represents 80 plaintiffs in litigation involving forced labor, human trafficking, and sex trafficking by leaders of NXIVM cult. The suit is on behalf of former members of the infamous NXIVM organization seeking to hold its founder, his inner circle, and others associated with NXIVM liable for allegedly violating myriad federal and state laws, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and laws prohibiting conduct such as human trafficking, sex slavery, and forced labor.
COERCIVE CONTROL, UNDUE INFLUENCE, AND CULTS LITIGATION
Many federal and state laws, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, prohibit conduct perpetrated by cult leaders, including human trafficking, sex trafficking, and forced labor.
RELIEF IN COERCIVE CONTROL, UNDUE INFLUENCE, AND CULTS LAWSUITS
Courts in coercive control, undue influence, and cults lawsuits may award plaintiffs monetary damages to compensate them for unpaid wages and overtime. They also can award damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and punitive damages.
Most important for some survivors is the opportunity to seek justice, to hold the cult leaders accountable for the horrific abuse they have endured.
Kohn Swift’s lawyers fight for the rights of clients injured by coercive control, undue influence, and cults. If you or a family member believe you may have a claim, contact Kohn Swift today. We will evaluate your case without charge.
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