The Church of Scientology promotes itself as a path to spiritual freedom. Members are promised progress along the “Bridge to Total Freedom.”

But behind the polished façade lies a disturbing pattern of abuse, coercive control, and systemic cover-ups, especially involving children separated from their parents at a young age.

A Religion or a System of Control?

The Church of Scientology, founded in 1954 by American science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, presents itself as a path to spiritual freedom. Its core beliefs revolve around the idea of the “thetan” — an immortal spiritual being — and the use of auditing to clear the mind of harmful “engrams.” Members progress along the “Bridge to Total Freedom,” a structured path of courses and counseling sessions.

But behind the glossy PR and celebrity endorsements (most famously, Tom Cruise) lies a darker reality; one that former members, journalists, and court cases have exposed: coercive control, child abuse, and silencing of victims.

What Hubbard Said

Hubbard’s writings from the foundation of Scientology’s policies, including its approach to children. Former members and legal filings not that Hubbard’s rules made it a “high crime” to report a Scientologist to law enforcement, even in cases of sexual abuse. In practice, this has meant that victims are often blamed for their own abuse, with the church teaching that those who suffer such acts must have “done something to invite it.”

This culture of secrecy and victim-blaming has allowed abuse to flourish unchecked for decades.

Stories of Abuse

The allegations are not abstract, the are painfully real.

  • Jane Doe’s Case (2019): A woman filed a Lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted repeatedly as a child while in Scientology’s care. She says the abuse began in kindergarten at Clearwater Academy, escalated to forced sexual acts, and continued aboard the Sea Org‘s cruise ship, described in court as a human trafficking scheme. When she reported the abuse, she was punished with months of hard labour instead of being protected.
  • Sea Org Survivors: Multiple ex-members have described being separated from their parents at a young age (as young as a newborn), forced into grueling labour, and denied education. Some Recount being told their parents had “pulled them in” to their suffering, a psychological tactic that shifts blame onto the victim.
  • Hollywood Abuse: Actor Danny Masterson, best known for That 70’s Show, was accused by multiple women of raping them in the early 2000s, with several alleging that the Church of Scientology pressured them not to go to police. After a mistrial in 2022, a retrial in 2023 found him guilty on two counts of rape, and he was Sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The case drew further attention because all three victims were former Scientologists, and testimony revealed claims of intimidation and cover-ups linked to the Church.
  • Retaliation and Harassment: Survivors who escape often face stalking, intimidation, and smear campaigns, in line with Scientology’s “Fair Game” policy, which encourages retaliation against perceived enemies.

The Psychological Toll

Psychologists warn that early separation from parents, combined with indoctrination and Abuse, can cause complex PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Survivors often struggle with trust, identity, and reintegration into society.

The link between childhood abuse and suicide risk is well-documented: survivors are 2-3 times more likely to attempt suicide later in life. In Scientology’s closed system, where mental health treatment is discouraged and psychiatry is vilified, the danger is even greater.

Sociologists describe this as “social reproduction” — raising children entirely within the cult to ensure loyalty and prevent outside influence, creating generational trauma.

Why This Must End

This is not simply about religious freedom, it’s about human rights. When an organization uses fear, isolation, and coercive control to protect abusers and silence victims, it crosses the line into systemic abuse.

The stories of survivors demand that we listen, believe, and act.

If You Need Help

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in Scientology, contact:

You can also contact these foundations for help leaving this abusive cult.

Speaking Out

I’ve created a short, hard-hitting documentary that shines a light on the abuse, coercive control, and lasting psychological harm within Scientology. It features first-hand survivor testimonies and expert insights, exposing the hidden reality behind the Church’s public image.

You can watch it now on YouTube not just to learn more, but to stand with the brave survivors who are risking everything to speak out. Every view, share, and comment helps amplify their voices and push back against the silence that protects abuse.

Please share this article as well to join the fight to protect the vulnerable and hold Scientology accountable.

They have yet to be held accountable.

By Beth Gibbons (Queen of Karma)

Beth Gibbons, known publicly as Queen of Karma, is a whistleblower and anti-MLM advocate who shares her personal experiences of being manipulated and financially harmed by multi-level marketing schemes. She writes and speaks candidly about the emotional and psychological toll these so-called “business opportunities” take on vulnerable individuals, especially women. Beth positions herself as a survivor-turned-activist, exposing MLMs as commercial cults and highlighting the cult-like tactics used to recruit, control, and silence members.

She has contributed blogs and participated in video interviews under the name Queen of Karma, often blending personal storytelling with direct confrontation of scammy business models. Her work aligns closely with scam awareness efforts, and she’s part of a growing community of voices pushing back against MLM exploitation, gaslighting, and financial abuse.