Cults are a worldwide problem. The European Parliament passed a Resolution on Cults in 1984. There have been at least five international conferences about cults in the last 10 years. In 1993 the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) expressed "grave concern about the growth of destructive cults and sects throughout the world." AFF estimates between 3,000 to 5,000 active groups, with 5 to 20 million present and past members, are active throughout the world.

While cults still target young people, they have changed tactics with changing demographics. Today they also recruit older, established, and more affluent people. Entire families are often involved. Authorities have forcibly withdrawn hundreds of children from cultic groups in which severe child abuse -- including abuse leading to death -- has been documented.

AFF accordingly supports people directly and indirectly affected by the cult phenomenon. To past and present members, as well as their families, we offer information on individual groups, education on recovery strategies, and counseling and support-group referrals. Professionals -- lawyers, clergy, educators, psychotherapists, and others -- count on us as a source for research, on-going periodicals, and professional referrals.

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