Victorian Inquiry Uncovers Abuse in Registered Charities

0:00It's February 26th, here's your Adelaide News in two minutes. A Victorian parliamentary inquiry has been five months hearing from survivors of religious fringe groups and alleged cults. They received 286 public submissions last year, mostly from former members or their families. Seven groups stood out with four more mentions, and six of them are registered charities, giving them big tax breaks through the Australian. Charities and not-for-profits, commission. These charities include Jehovah's Witnesses, Shinchonji Church of Jesus, Revival Center International, Jelong Revival Center, Church of Scientology, and City Builders Church. One group, two by twos, is registered. Survivors described child sexual abuse, brutal beatings, forced isolation, psychological control, and fear tactics like apocalyptic warnings. 95% of respondents reported psychological harm from their experiences. Many spoke of being shunned by family after leaving, constant surveillance, or harassment

1:01that forced them to move cities. One ex-member even got childhood photos returned, with a message they were no longer family. The groups had mixed responses. Some like Shinchonji and the Revival Centers didn't come in. Scientology called, claims unfounded, and from anti-religious activists. Tohovah's Witnesses avoided debate, while City Builders said accusations lacked evidence and shared their own proof. People have big revenues, like Scientology's over $21 million, and Jehovah's Witnesses support group, nearing $18 million. A tax expert warns that piling up assets turns charities into wealth builders, losing their public benefit focus. The Inquiry Spinal Report comes in September. This DNN story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description, a pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.