This powerful statement lies at the heart of the #igotout movement, which emerged during a period of unprecedented global upheaval. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world in 2020, forcing countries into lockdown and people into isolation, many found themselves grappling with a new reality. For those who had been involved in high-control groups, whether a religion, a business, a family, or an organization, the break people had from these environments and the sudden abundance of time for self-reflection led to a profound questioning of beliefs and experiences.
The launch of the #igotout movement coincided with a series of pivotal events that brought issues of social justice and abuse of power to the forefront of public consciousness. In May of 2020, the killing of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and a renewed call for racial justice through the #blacklivesmatter movement. Shortly thereafter, the trial, conviction, and sentencing of Harvey Weinstein marked a significant victory for the #metoo movement.
Amidst a highly contentious and divisive US presidential election, conspiracy theories and online disinformation ran rampant, causing confusion, fear, and rifts in families and friendships. In this climate of uncertainty and social unrest, the need for a supportive community of survivors became more apparent than ever.
While these other movements were often catalyzed by newsworthy events, #igotout represents a slower, more gradual process of community building and awareness-raising. By creating supportive spaces for survivors to connect and share their stories, #igotout aims to bring about a fundamental shift in our understanding of coercion and extremism.
The release of high-profile documentaries like "The Vow" and "Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult" and the many others released since the launch of igotout.org have helped to bring the issue of high-control groups into the mainstream consciousness, providing a framework for understanding the manipulative tactics employed by controlling groups and individuals.
Against this backdrop of global crisis, social isolation, political turmoil, and increasing awareness of the dangers of high-control groups, #igotout emerged as a vital support system for those seeking to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future for themselves. Through the power of shared stories and collective support, #igotout continues to inspire hope, healing, and transformation for survivors around the globe, reminding us that the fight for freedom of thought is a universal struggle that unites us all.
