Group Power + Control Wheel
The original Power + Control Wheel was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project to demonstrate the power and control dynamics at play in abusive relationships. The spokes of the wheel represent the many reasons why a survivor might feel trapped in an abusive relationship.
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This is an adapted version of the Power & Control Wheel that applies this concept to abusive religious or spiritual groups. Each spoke of the wheel describes a different way that the group can wield power over its members, making them feel helpless and even more reliant on the group.
COERCION + THREATS
High-control groups often use threats (spiritual, physical, emotional, or social) to coerce their members into submitting to the group's demands. Examples of this include:
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Threats to exclude or abandon the individual, leading to the loss of their community
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Threats of eternal isolation or punishment in the afterlife
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Threats to punish or discipline the individual, often publicly
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Threats of worldly dangers that will seduce or lead the individual astray
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Threats of spiritual dangers that will prey on the individual if they're not faithful
AUTHORITY + INTIMIDATION
Religious groups often claim to have special spiritual authority which can intimidate their members into accepting the group's teachings or practices without question. Examples of this include:
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Claims that the leader has been chosen by God or has supernatural insight
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Claims that their beliefs are the ultimate truth or their scriptures are infallible
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Claims that the group has a special destiny or divine purpose
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Claims that group is superior to all outsiders, giving them special power
SHAME
Abusive groups gain power over their members telling them that they're weak, broken, and in need of saving. This emotional abuse makes members desperate to earn forgiveness and acceptance by living up to the group's ideals. Examples include:
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Calling normal human behaviors "deviant" or "sinful"
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Setting unrealistic standards and then punishing members when they inevitably fail
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Publicly humiliating members with confession, discipline, or accountability
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Depicting self-care and confidence as signs of selfishness or pride
ISOLATION + INSULATION
A primary tactic of high-control groups is to isolate their members from outside support and influences. This is usually paired with a message that members should rely on the group to meet all their needs. Examples include:
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Encouraging members to cut ties with family and friends who aren't believers
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Discouraging the use of state provided resources (schools, police, disability, etc)
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Using namecalling and propaganda to create fear and hatred of outsiders
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Claiming that outsiders are persecuting the group and can't be trusted
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Censoring access to outside ideas and media
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Encouraging members to move to a designated area together
JUSTIFICATION OF ABUSE
Controlling groups often justify and excuse their abusive practices by appealing to a greater good. This convinces members not to complain or view what happened as abuse. Examples include:
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Minimizing and downplaying their harmful actions
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Gaslighting members by claiming it never happened or was a misunderstanding
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Victim blaming by claiming that the incident was deserved
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Claiming that it was "spiritual discipline" or for the members' own good
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Covering up abuse to protect the group’s image or agenda
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Pressuring victims to forgive and reconcile in the name of unity
DENIAL OF AUTONOMY
Groups can gain control over their members by devaluing personal autonomy and encouraging total enmeshment in the group. This deprives members of the opportunity to think for themselves. Examples include:
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Demanding constant contact and frequent meetings or check-ins
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Tightly monitoring communication within the group
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Removing personal privacy and demanding that all secrets be shared
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Confession or accountability practices that encourage peer-policing
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Encouraging members to seek permission from leaders before making decisions
SEX + GENDER CONTROL
High-control groups often have strict definitions and requirements related to sex, sexuality, gender identity, and gender roles. These rigid expectations consolidate power and enforce conformity among members. Here are some examples:
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Setting gender-specific expectations about dress, livelihood, personality traits, family roles, etc.
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Claiming that patriarchal family structure was designed by God
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Placing limits on acceptable sexual activities (ex. chastity before marriage)
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Shaming and policing group members thoughts about sex
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Delegitimizing LGBTQIA+ identities and feminist ideas
ECONOMIC CONTROL
Another big way that high-control groups exploit their members is financially. This reinforces the members' reliance on the group to meet their needs and/or keeps them waiting for promises of prosperity. Here are some examples:
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Pressuring members to regularly donate their money or possessions to the group
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Pressuring members to volunteer their time, labor, and skills without compensation
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Portraying full financial dependence on the group (or God) as holy
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Restricting members education or employment options
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Promising financial reward to members if they're loyal to the group