SHAH ALAM - A holistic approach is essential in addressing the recovery of cult survivors, particularly children, as a single type of assessment is inadequate.
Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat, who is a psychologist and criminologist with Universiti Sains Malaysia, said that there were several essential steps to help children who have fallen victim to cults.
"First and foremost is conducting a thorough assessment of their experiences, focusing on how much of what they know is rooted in immorality, deviance or harm.
"Since wrongdoing is often all these survivors have known, it is crucial to determine the extent, duration and individuals responsible for their trauma through a comprehensive range of psychosocial, physical, health, religious and criminogenic evaluations.
"A single type of assessment is insufficient; cult survivors require a holistic approach to healing,” she said.
Second, Geshina said that it was vital to educate the children on what was right and wrong, particularly in relation to sexuality.
"Many child victims are too young to understand sexual differences or have sexual urges, yet they were forced into sexual acts and taught to view themselves and others as sexualised objects.
"As a result, they may experience confusion, guilt, fear, hatred or disgust and could resist efforts to help them. Therefore placing them in a safe, nurturing environment is critical,” she said.
Lastly, Geshina emphasised that survivor support must include trauma recovery assessments and long-term care, requiring the involvement of various professionals.
"It is important to ensure that cult survivors, especially children, are not stigmatised or treated as merely another case,” she said.