In an unusual twist two cult members in California have requested “deprogramming,” reports the Marin News.
Both women were followers of Winifred Wright, a leader that once controlled four women and their twelve children in a type of family cult located in a house near San Francisco.
The women and children endured reportedly horrific abuse. One child died from complications brought about by rickets, an illness that is a direct result of malnutrition.
Wright and two of the mothers were found guilty of criminal charges in court. Sentencing will take place later this month.
But the two women convicted now want treatment at Wellspring Retreat, a noted rehabilitation center for former cult members.
Wellspring does not actually “deprogram” cult members, but rather offers a focused program for recovery in a residential setting. The retreat is a licensed mental health facility in Ohio.
It is sad that these women and/or their families did not seek help earlier. Perhaps intervention long ago might have effectively ended the abuse and avoided a needless death.
But like so many cults, the Wright Family only received meaningful attention and intervention after a terrible tragedy.
In a tacit acknowledgement that the women were “brainwashed” by Wright, the judge has already granted one mother temporary release to attend Wellspring.
no comment untill now