Westminster Life: Working together to address spiritual abuse

Not all of Parliament's work takes place in the Chamber. Some of the most important conversations are about issues that don't always receive the attention they deserve, writes North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling. 

Last week, I had the opportunity to do just that by hosting a meeting in Parliament, bringing together survivors, charities, safeguarding experts and campaigners to discuss spiritual abuse. It's an issue I've taken a close interest in - having been raised in a small, insular religious group myself - and one that I believe deserves far greater recognition. 

Spiritual abuse can take many forms. It may involve exploiting faith or belief to control someone's behaviour, isolate them from family and friends, exploit them financially, or make them feel unable to question those in positions of authority. Like other forms of coercive and controlling behaviour, its effects can last long after someone has left the situation. 

Throughout the meeting, we heard from survivors who spoke with remarkable courage about their experiences, alongside organisations working in safeguarding, domestic abuse and victim support. Examples included shunning of someone that left a religion by their whole family, religion-linked financial abuse, and forced conversion practices carried out on a gay man and lesbian woman – something I am so proud this Labour Government is now banning.  

While every story was different, one message came through consistently: too many people still struggle to have their experiences recognised or understood. 

That matters because abuse is abuse, whatever form it takes. Nobody should feel unable to seek help because the way they have been controlled or manipulated doesn't fit people's expectations. 

This meeting was part of work I’m leading to set up a new parliamentary working group against Spiritual, Ritual and Cultic Abuse. Bringing together MPs, charities, researchers, and survivors is an important step towards improving understanding and making sure this issue receives the attention it deserves. 

Although this conversation took place in Westminster, these issues are not confined to Parliament or to one part of the country. They can affect individuals and families anywhere, including here in North West Cambridgeshire. Like so many forms of abuse, they often happen behind closed doors, making awareness all the more important.   

One of the things I've learned as an MP is that some of the most worthwhile conversations in Parliament are about issues that rarely make the headlines. They may not dominate the news cycle, but they can have a profound impact on the lives of those affected.  

Change doesn't begin with legislation; it begins with recognising a problem and listening to those affected. I hope last week's meeting was another step in that direction. 

Every person deserves to live free from coercion, manipulation and abuse. I'll continue working with survivors, charities and safeguarding experts to make sure this issue doesn't slip back into the shadows. If you think you, or someone you know, is a victim of this kind of exploitation, please reach out and I will do what I can to connect you with support.