About Us

RISE International works to protect children from abuse in cults. We advocate for children’s human rights and support those who seek justice for crimes committed against them as minors in these groups. We work to raise awareness amongst the public, government and charity organizations over the dangers and difficulties children face growing up in cults.

We provide a unique perspective on the potential dangers and challenges faced by those born into and/or raised in cults or 'High Demand Organizations' (HDOs).  We hold that for HDOs to gain credibility, they must be transparent with their internal guidelines and policies as they relate to children and must ensure a child protection policy is instituted and practiced. RISE actively campaigns for justice for those who were abused and violated as children in cults and champions the rights of children as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We believe that children have an equal right to:

'Freedom of expression' and 'the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all  kinds…. '   Education that allows them to develop their personality and talents to their fullest potential, and prepares them for 'responsible life in free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples.

Children should be protected 'from all forms of  physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

(from UN Rights of the Child)

A balance must be found between protecting the right to religious freedom, while at the same time protecting children from damaging or criminal behavior that is justified by religious doctrine. While we recognize that parents and guardians have certain rights, including the right of religious freedom, those rights must not be exercised in a manner that violates the inherent rights of children as set out in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Disclaimer

Rise International CIC is a community interest company registered in England and Wales, Company number 6266210. Our registered office is at: EASTON BUSINESS CENTRE FELIX ROAD, EASTON, BRISTOL, AVON, BS5 0HE United Kingdom

RISE International Foundation is a New York not-for-profit corporation.

This website provides general information only on the subject matter covered. RISE International does not assume a duty of care with respect to this information. It is not intended, nor should it be  relied on, as a substitute for legal or other professional advice. If required, it is recommended that the reader obtain independent legal or professional advice. The information contained on this website may be amended from time to time. Links on this website to other websites are provided by RISE International only as a convenience. RISE International is not responsible for the content of those linked websites and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by RISE International of that website or any association with its operators.