✋ Help Us Stop Mandated Shunning

Imagine being erased by your own family—not because you harmed them, but because you no longer share their beliefs.

This is the harsh reality of mandated shunning, where high-control religious organizations force their members to cut off anyone who dares to question or leave the group.

“My mother hasn’t spoken to me in 14 years. My siblings pretend I don’t exist. All because I stopped believing what they believe.”

— Survivor of mandated shunning

This practice devastates lives. It leaves people—especially children, parents, and the elderly—emotionally, socially, and financially abandoned. It often leads to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and long-term trauma.

We believe mandated shunning should be a crime.

And we’re working with world-class legal and mental health experts to make that happen.

Groundbreaking Research to Challenge Mandated Shunning

To fight this injustice, Stop Mandated Shunning*, in partnership with the University of Roehampton and the Open Minds Foundation, is launching a first-of-its-kind research study. This critical project will document the devastating effects of mandated shunning, The study will focus on faith-based communities known to practice mandated shunning such as, but not limited to the:

The data we gather will serve as irrefutable evidence in courtrooms, legislative efforts, and advocacy campaigns to challenge the legality of mandated shunning and push for real change.

What We’re Doing About It

The Stop Mandated Shunning initiative brings together global experts, legal professionals, survivors, and activists. Our goal is to gather evidence, raise awareness, and push for legal reform—country by country.

We’ve partnered with the University of Roehampton London, where psychologists Dr. Savin Bapir-Tardy and Dr. Windy Grendele are conducting the world’s most comprehensive three-year study on the harm caused by mandated shunning. This research is critical to:

Establishing legal precedent

Influencing policy makers and courts

Giving survivors a voice backed by credible data

We are also working closely with attorneys, mental health professionals, and other advocacy organizations to bring mandated shunning into the spotlight—and ultimately, to make it a punishable offense under the law.

Watch the Interview That’s Creating Impact

Meet Dr. Savin Bapir-Tardy, lead researcher on this project, as she explains why this work matters:

▶️ Watch the 20-second highlight

▶️ Watch the full 30-minute interview

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can—every gift matters

Share this campaign with friends, family, and social media

Speak up—share your story or join our movement

Together, we can create a future where no one is forced to choose between their freedom and their family.

Thank you for standing with us,

— The Stop Mandated Shunning Team

*Stop Mandated Shunning is a project of the Open Minds Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.