Is it a sign of a cult if someone abandons their wife and child to join “a program”? Sadly, that is exactly what has happened with John Volken Academy. Reports from survivors and insiders reveal employees leaving behind families to dedicate themselves to the Academy, highlighting the cult-like environment and the extreme loyalty it demands.

Research into cult‑like groups shows that one of the red‑flags is that the group demands priority over family and personal relationships. For example, one guidance article states:

“They demand unwavering loyalty and commitment from the group. So much so that they claim to be even more important than family or other personal relationships.”

https://nomadrs.com/signs-of-cult-brainwashing

Survivors report staff and participants leaving behind spouses, children and prior lives to immerse themselves in what they describe as a “program.” This mirrors the documented pattern where individuals are slowly cut off from existing relationships, made increasingly dependent on the organisation, and unable to resist or question its demands.

This is just one of many alarming patterns that survivors have shared, from psychological abuse and gaslighting to the exploitation of participants as free labor. These behaviors raise serious questions about the ethics and oversight of the Academy and the need for accountability.

We are sharing these stories to raise awareness and push for meaningful change. If you support holding John Volken Academy accountable and protecting past, current and future participants, please consider signing the petition and sharing it widely.