Dear Ms. Perkins and/or Stover,

I apologize for being so long in responding to your question. It is a very good and relevant one as many individuals are in the same type of abusive circumstances as your sister and her children. You asked, are there “any legal responsibilities this pastor has for the abuse and fear they inflict upon my sister and her children?” …Even though it appears as though my sister stays there on her own free will.”

The problem is that your sister is an adult and in the eyes of the law is there “of her own free will.” I have worked with the legal system for years either in pursuit of these kind of predators that use religion to control and destroy others; as a Guardian Ad Litem in a Care and Protection case brought by the State of Massachusetts against a cult where children died; and provided workshops for State social workers who deal with these kind of issues. It is my understanding that even if your sister were to participate in or allowed herself to be physically or sexually abused, denied medical assistance for life threatening issues, cut off all contact with the outside world, etc. per direction of this “pastor”, there is nothing legally that can be done. However, if it can be proven that it is “not in the best interest” of the children (who are under age) to be a part of the group then you have a case. But, you have to have clear and compelling evidence of physical or psychological abuse or neglect. It cannot just be allegations.

I empathize with you. The situation you describe is sadly duplicated over and over again all over the United States. I don’t think you have to be concerned of being charged with slander. That is one of the most difficult crimes to prove. You can certainly say that in your opinion your sister is not in a healthy environment and that you believe that it is detrimental to her and the children’s well being.