They are often the subject of horror films or harrowing true crime documentaries, but there is still so much mystery surrounding cults, their members and their leaders.
Some of the most notorious cults include the likes of the Manson Family, The Branch Davidians and Peoples Temple, and while experts struggle to study them due to how cut off members can become, there are some signs that to look out for that you or a loved one could be involved in a cult.
What actually is a cult?
If you thought that cults were a concept of the past, you would be wrong.
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Often a person's mind can be so infiltrated with a particular thought that they aren't even aware they are part of one.
According to experts, a cult is an organised group aiming to dominate members through psychological manipulation and pressure strategies.
Some people may remain lifelong members, while others manage to break free from the chains of the group's restrictive behaviour.
Researchers sometimes disagree on what they would class as a 'cult', for example certain religious groups.
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But one thing is for sure - almost all cults have a leader.
According to the Cult Education Institute, there are specific warning signs that people should look out for in order to recognise whether you, or someone you love, is involved in a cult.
What are the signs you are in a cult?
Absolute authoritarianism without accountability
This means that democracy is absolutely rejected under the belief that all members should sacrifice their freedoms in order to be strictly obedient to the cult leader
Zero tolerance for criticism or questions
Nobody in the cult speaks out against the rules of the cult.The demands and expectations of the cult leader go without question.
Lack of meaningful financial disclosure
This behaviour typically relies on deceptive practices to make members dependent on the cult.
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Unreasonable fears about the outside world
The cult leader will infiltrate the minds of the group to make them believe the outside world is an evil place, and that they are better off inside the cult.
A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving
Inside the cult, the belief is that it is always wrong to leave, and anyone who does so is shamed.
Abuse of members
It is not unusual for members of the cult to be treated with disrespect or even worse.
Records, books or articles documenting the abuses
Methods of torture or punishment are often kept on file as a warning to others.
Followers feeling they are never able to be 'good enough'
This leads members to feel as though they need to stay in the cult.
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A belief that the leader is right at all times
The leader of the cult is a dictator, and anyone who speaks out against them does not belong in the group.
A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing 'truth'
Members are brainwashed to believe that the cult leader is the only person who really knows the 'truth' about the world, giving them reason to stay in the group.
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Some people don't realise that the situation they are in is a cult until it's too late.
Others join because of their insecurities, and feel a sense of belonging, while some are manipulated into joining by certain rewards or promises.
Mia Williams