How cults actually work, according to a former member of Nxivm

Sarah Edmondson is a former member and whistleblower of Nxivm, a cult disguised as a self-help organization run by Keith Raniere, a convicted sex offender. Edmondson was part of the group for 12 years and cofounded the organization’s center in Vancouver, Canada.

Edmondson talks to Business Insider about the cult’s initiation procedure, finances, and rules of membership. She also discusses how members were recruited and warning signs to look out for.

Edmondson was a central character in HBO’s documentary on Nxivm, “The Vow,” and is now a podcaster and broadcaster. She is the author of “Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped Nxivm, the Cult That Bound My Life” and runs the “A Little Bit Culty” podcast with her husband, Nippy, who is also a former member of Nxivm.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit its website to receive confidential support.

Find out more:
“Scarred”
“A Little Bit Culty”