Safety and protecting yourself from cults and coercive groups
Your time at Deakin should feel welcoming, respectful and safe. University is a place to learn, meet people and explore new ideas, not a place where anyone pressures you, manipulates you or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Across Australia, including in Victoria, students have reported being approached by high control groups, sometimes described as cults, that use subtle and misleading tactics to recruit people.
These approaches often appear friendly or informal at first, which can make them difficult to recognise. Being informed helps you make confident choices and look out for yourself and others.
What this can look like
Students have shared experiences of being approached in everyday places such as libraries, study spaces, and during orientation or social events.
Approaches can also be made external to campus at public libraries, shopping centres, on public transport and public spaces.
Conversations often start casually, for example with requests for directions, surveys, or offers of friendship, mentoring or study support.
Some groups are not open about who they are or who they are connected to.
Others gradually increase contact and expectations over time. In Australia, there is no single legal definition of a cult, so universities and student organisations focus on behaviours, particularly where there is secrecy, pressure or control involved.
How to identify cult type behaviour
Not all religious or community groups are unsafe. Many faith-based and interest groups at Deakin are transparent, voluntary and student-led.
However, students and campus workers across Australia have reported some common behaviours that may signal concern:
- Being asked personal questions very early about your beliefs, background or personal challenges or vulnerabilities
- Invitations to frequent private meetings or study sessions that increase over time
- Pressure to keep involvement secret or not talk to family or friends
- Being told you are receiving special or exclusive knowledge
- Intense attention or encouragement at the beginning of the relationship
- Pressure to prioritise the group over your study, work or existing relationships.
What you can do
You have the right to feel safe, respected and in control of your choices.
- You can say no or leave a conversation at any time.
- Trust your instincts if something does not feel right.
- Take your time before sharing personal information.
- Check in with someone you trust if you are unsure about a group or worried about a friend.
- Reach out to Deakin support services, DUSA or campus security if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
What to do if you have been recruited
If you have already become involved with a group and are feeling pressured, isolated or distressed, support is available.
- You do not owe anyone your time, contact details or personal information.
- You do not have to stay in a conversation to be polite.
- You do not have to attend meetings or activities you did not actively choose.
- You do not have to keep secrets that make you uncomfortable.
If someone continues to pressure you or dismisses your concerns, it is appropriate to disengage and seek support.
Support at Deakin
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, reaching out early can make a difference.
Contact Campus Safety at any time you feel unsafe on campus or observe behaviours of concern on 1800 062 579.
Deakin offers confidential, non‑judgemental support through a range of support services:
- Chaplaincy and spiritual wellbeing – Confidential support for students of all faiths and beliefs, including no faith.
- Safer Community – Free, confidential support service for those who experience concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour.
- Counselling services – Our experienced psychologists and social workers offer free and confidential counselling support to all students located in Australia.
- DUSA Advocacy – Independent support for students navigating difficult situations, including coercion or exploitation.
- DUSA Welfare – Contact dusa-vp-welfare@deakin.edu.au
- Safety and security – We provide emergency response, first aid, and confidential support for sexual harm or harassment. If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).