Victorian cults inquiry accidentally shares survivor emails with group members

The committee issued a subsequent apology, acknowledging the importance of protecting personal information and regretting the mistake. They requested that recipients delete the email to minimize further disclosure and stated they are reviewing their processes to prevent recurrence.

Karen Alsop, who testified about the Casey City church, described the incident as devastating, particularly for anonymous survivors and those whose groups were also included in the email distribution. She expressed concern about the potential for further trauma for individuals with conditions such as PTSD.

Clare Heath-McIvor, representing Survivors of Coercive Cults and High-Control Groups, emphasized the importance of the report's recommendations being "belief-neutral" and supported the recommendation against defining a cult legally. She argued that the focus should be on coercive control and abuse, regardless of the group's beliefs, as cults can manifest in various forms, including multi-level marketing, yoga, or political groups.