Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ICSA 2025 Conference - Montreal, QC
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Carol Merchasin, Pamela Takefman
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Abstract: One of the goals of survivors and their supporters is to hold cults accountable and ensure that others do not suffer abuse. But speaking out often comes with risks -- being ostracized, potential threats to physical safety, and, in today’s legal climate, the risk of lawsuits. Cults often use defamation lawsuits to silence critics and survivors. This presentation will explore the essential elements of defamation, providing clear guidelines on holding cults accountable while avoiding legal pitfalls. We’ll begin by examining what constitutes defamation —specifically the false statement of fact that damages reputation, made with malice or negligence. Understanding these elements is crucial for those speaking out to ensure their words don’t become the target of legal action. Next, we will discuss practical strategies to avoid defamation in spoken and written communications. This includes using verifiable facts, avoiding inflammatory language, and framing opinions clearly as opinions. Transparency and fact-checking are key to making strong statements without crossing legal lines. We’ll also cover the status of AntiSLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) laws, which are designed to protect individuals speaking out on matters of public concern from retaliatory lawsuits. While these laws vary by jurisdiction, understanding how they can offer protection is vital for those challenging powerful groups like cults. Finally, we will outline what steps survivors can take if they are sued, including the importance of retaining legal counsel, dealing with frivolous claims, building a robust defense, and possibly countersuing for damages under Anti-SLAPP statutes. By the end of this session, attendees will have the tools to speak out against cult abuse while minimizing the risk of defamation claims
ICSA 2025 Conference - Montreal, QC
-
Carol Merchasin, Pamela Takefman
-
Abstract: One of the goals of survivors and their supporters is to hold cults accountable and ensure that others do not suffer abuse. But speaking out often comes with risks -- being ostracized, potential threats to physical safety, and, in today’s legal climate, the risk of lawsuits. Cults often use defamation lawsuits to silence critics and survivors. This presentation will explore the essential elements of defamation, providing clear guidelines on holding cults accountable while avoiding legal pitfalls. We’ll begin by examining what constitutes defamation —specifically the false statement of fact that damages reputation, made with malice or negligence. Understanding these elements is crucial for those speaking out to ensure their words don’t become the target of legal action. Next, we will discuss practical strategies to avoid defamation in spoken and written communications. This includes using verifiable facts, avoiding inflammatory language, and framing opinions clearly as opinions. Transparency and fact-checking are key to making strong statements without crossing legal lines. We’ll also cover the status of AntiSLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) laws, which are designed to protect individuals speaking out on matters of public concern from retaliatory lawsuits. While these laws vary by jurisdiction, understanding how they can offer protection is vital for those challenging powerful groups like cults. Finally, we will outline what steps survivors can take if they are sued, including the importance of retaining legal counsel, dealing with frivolous claims, building a robust defense, and possibly countersuing for damages under Anti-SLAPP statutes. By the end of this session, attendees will have the tools to speak out against cult abuse while minimizing the risk of defamation claims
