My Mother Wrote the Horrific CSA Handbook for Children of God Cult

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much for having me on and giving me the space to tell my story! ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

You are such a light and inspiration! I’m honored to have held space for your story ❤️

[@Lock484]

@@serkelley this group might just be the worst, so sorry you went through that 😭

[@ber9313]

​@@Lock484 They are all pretty bad but this is one of the worst surely. My heart goes out to all the victims.

[@daniellewillis2767]

Thank YOU for telling your story! I just watched a deep dive into "Life With Grandpa" and I salute you for helping other kids get out!

[@Lock484]

@@ber9313 yeah, I'm definitely not trying to whitewash the others, it's just that here the CSA seems to be like zhe modus operandi, literally mandatory and endorsed by everyone, that's just insane 🤢😭

[@gonemiam8636]

I lost my soulmate and children's father, later turned abuser, to the abuse he suffered from the adult women and other children of this group.. nobody ever listened to him because he was always hysterical about it... I am so glad to be seeing more of this brought to light.. keep exposing them

[@mrs.elentz2336]

I’m so sorry for your loss and sending you and your children thoughts and prayers of healing, comfort, and peace 💔 Something like this murders a child’s soul 😢

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I’m so sorry to hear that. He must have been in a lot of pain

[@ellyne3863]

@@gonemiam8636 that is heartbreaking. I hope his soul is finally at peace 😢

[@EvelynDeCobain]

28 minutes into this video and I feel like I have aged 20 years. What a strong person Serena has become. CSA needs to stop now.

[@Lock484]

Two or three years old? 😳🫣 I don't even remember anything from my childhood that young, I don't think I was even fully conscious, for her to have such heavy vivid memories from that time is genuinely craaazyyy 😩🤢

[@rsh793]

​@@Lock484 that's you! Most children do have memories of major trauma events at any age from 3 up and many do remember distinct memories from that age.

[@nickywal]

@@Lock484 It tends to be a trauma response, either people lose years of memories or they remember too much

[@Lock484]

@@nickywal yeah, it's just seared into her memory despite such a young age, so sad 😓😢

[@EvelynDeCobain]

@@Lock484 I remember my father being violent to me when I was 3 and I think the memory is strong because of the extreme awareness fear and adrenaline bring with them. I think over time your more developed brain helps you make sense of such early memories.

[@RuthZeeck]

My much older first cousin joined the Children of God right at it’s beginning, in 1968. My Methodist minister father was quite interested in the group at the time ( this was before David Berg turned it in to the cult it was to become). My whole family spent one memorable evening with my cousin at the Huntington Beach coffee house the group ran in 1968. He was very excited to introduce us to his pastor. I was nine years old. I still remember David Berg and my father discussing theology while various singers performed. Years later, in going over that evening with Dad, he told me he felt Berg was an earnest, if a little theologically misguided, missionary to the Hippies. You can imagine my dad’s horror when the stories of what Berg had turned in to started surfacing. At Berg’s request, Dad had prayed with him and for his ministry. To learn what that “ministry” turned into, shook Dad to his core. By then, the late 1970’s, my cousin had disappeared, never to be seen or heard of again. Our family will always believe he was murdered at Berg’s command, because he had told a number of people he was going to leave the group. Thank you for sharing your story. Just unbelievable what the bright eyed, very charming David Berg I met in 1968 became and how much harm he did to so many.

[@fractalofathena2178]

How horrifying! Thank you for sharing such a personal story ....

[@dawnmillsap285]

I don't know how you made it out and are able to have the strength to expose this abuse, but we are grateful for you and happy you are out.

[@serkelley]

Thank you! I’m so happy I found the strength to get out as well

[@katelynlong4190]

As a mom of two daughters myself this makes me physically ill to hear. There are no words Serena for what you went through 😔 your bravery and strength are incredible 💗

[@batyaswiftyasgur9500]

I'm particularly moved by "what doesn't kill you makes you kinder." There are people who have been abused who develop an attitude that anyone who didn't have it as bad as they did don't merit compassion. You have taken the opposite approach--the abuse you underwent has made you a more compassionate person. Kudos and many blessings.

[@simonebittencourt8251]

Serena, after listening to all your heartbreaking journey throughout childhood plus your last statement, it becomes so clear that, no matter how much abused and manipulated you were in that profoundly toxic and evil environment, you always had a strength inside you that was only yours that helped you to survive, stay sane, stay strong, and overcome those countless challenges. You survived because you have an essence so strong, wise, intelligent, unshakable, that even those horrors and delusions from others could not shape you, could not break you. The fact that you have so much empathy, so much grace, so much love to give to help others, so much understanding make of you an unique being, your own universe, your own fingerprint in the world. It is so touching to see you this outstanding woman and human being with a conviction in your voice, an inner fortress, a person who overcame terrible adversities and is pure illumination. You surely inspire tons of people to be resilient like you. What an extraordinary legacy yours. Part of your life was all of that, but you prove that you have nothing to do with wherever or whoever hurt you. You are absolutely above all that madness. I truly hope, each day that passes, you find more peace within, and pride of yourself. You remind me of another remarkable woman named Maude Julien who wrote a book named "The Only Girl in the World". Just like you she endured awful things throughout her childhood with her father and, in spite of all of that, she grew up a kind, gentle, empathetic human being. If you have the opportunity to read her book, she talks about how she was able to get help and work on herself to heal her wounds which, like yours, were so deep. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us! It was a privilege, a honor to listen to you. My very best wishes for a formidable life to you. I hope you succeed in each and every choice you make. Your life now is yours. You deserve all the love, respect, happiness, and peace in the world! I wish you clarity. Thank you!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

What an A+ comment right here!! 🥹❤️🙏

[@simonebittencourt8251]

@@CultstoConsciousness Thanks a lot, Shelise! My pleasure! Thank you for bringing to your space amazing, inspirational human beings. We all learn so much from them all and from you, as well!

[@serkelley]

Wow, this was such a lovely comment, and thank you for your email as well! The outpouring of support has been truly overwhelming and so much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely message.

[@simonebittencourt8251]

@@serkelley My utmost pleasure! Thank you for sharing your story. It was very touching. Feel yourself deeply admired by all of us.

[@tonihoban8350]

Serena, so so glad you were able to get out of this terrible cult. Thank you for bravely sharing your story! Continued healing and love your way. ❤

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching!

[@sonia-lu2rn]

I was so struck at the similarities of my mom’s reaction when i confronted her about her abuse towards me to your mom’s reaction. It was all so nonchalant and matter of fact. No ability to apply empathy or a moral framework around the actions.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Same, but with my dad. It’s infuriating and confusing all at once. ❤

[@serkelley]

Horrendous, I’m so sorry you also had to experience that. I truly believe that if my mom ever owns up to what she did, it would be too much for her. She ruined 1000s of kid’s lives and I don’t know how anyone can live with that.

[@sonia-lu2rn]

I’m so glad you survived. Thank you for sharing your story so publicly.

[@eviewilde354]

@@serkelley OMG! She hasn't even owned up to it yet? I'm a 1st generation parent & I just can't apologize enough to my children over having had them in the Family & not having been able to completely protect them from the abuses that were going on outside of my immediate control while in the cult. And to this day the sense of guilt & remorse & shame I carry over it, I will never get over, because I myself was so badly abused in the group (I joined at 16 & was married off at 18), I feel deeply the traumas my own chidren went through as well. So, I just can't understand parents who have left the group & are still in denial. It's a dissociative state they get stuck in, I believe.

[@sandybowers5085]

River and Joaquin Phoenix were both born into that cult. Deborah Davis was David Davis’s father. Deborah wrote a book about her experiences. We became friends after her separation from her father’s cult. She helped me separate from the IBLP church we had gotten ourselves into. They helped me and my children to escape from this cultish church that we initially thought was a safe place. Deborah Davis and her husband were the ones that helped me and my six children escape this IBLP cult. I am so grateful for that help 🥰

[@h0rriphic]

Thank goodness you and your children escaped. I wish you all a happy, fulfilling 2025. 💖

[@CraigsAdventure-m1b]

I met an ex-COG family in the 2000’s, the stories their daughter told me about what was going on down in Chilé were horrific, what was being done to children is disgusting.

[@katwitanruna]

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

[@empressed2685]

This must be the most unhinged cult i've ever heard and I'm only 15min into video 😮

[@iriniaamartin-stockton283]

Truly evil

[@iriniaamartin-stockton283]

In God's name, I don't think I get know the wrath they are storing up for themselves

[@danihawkinspreissler8017]

makes me want to puke that ANY adult would ever even CONSIDER thinking this was ok or letting this happen, much less a whole group of them! This isn't the first time I've heard of this cult. I've even read books about it, but it still never fails to blow my mind that it was (is???) a real group. Just beyond disgusting.

[@ninjawizard3865]

This one is almost as bad as the Ant hill Kids.

[@wendydomino]

One thing I noticed a lot of these cults have in common is a vicious treatment of children. Not all them promote actual playing in the playground behavior but they certainly almost always beat children viciously.

[@sonia-lu2rn]

All physical punishment is abuse. Period.

[@Lil_A_13]

There are no words strong enough to describe this disgusting despicable cult!! You and all those poor children suffered at the hands of predatory monsters!!! Im so sorry you had to go through this!! Sending so much love to you and c2c xxx

[@sarahevans1580]

Literally mind blowing aye

[@jrr7312]

Shelise, Thank you for the videos you put out and educating your viewers on the harmful effects of cults. They are hard for the general public to understand but it is necessary to understand why people won’t leave.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️🙏

[@Neku628]

@@CultstoConsciousness I am curious about her opinion on this show, which was made by David Bird. Nick Crowley covered it, it's pretty screwed up like cleaning a wound with just one's own spit. David is also pretty cocky for naming Ricky after himself, Little David. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKnHeXSulNGNp9Esi=S3rjdBB6tEi-mLVp Thankfully, most of this show is lost media.

[@aprilshowers21]

Wow this story is already insane… Sending every victim of this cult all of the healing vibes. I hope you find peace and lots of support in your journey towards recovery. ❤

[@nadine8742]

That was really sickening to hear. Serena is a warrior. So sad she has ro be one. She's exeptional inspirational. Much love from Germany ❤

[@7mariepierre]

One of the worse thing I had to do when I got out of the cult I was in was to “forget” my deep intuition that the two kids of the woman the cult leader was living with were abused by him. A very dear friend of mine told me that the only thing I could do because I had no solid proofs was to leave that aside and save and help myself. I am so touched by your story Serena and feel so touched that I get to hear about it. Through the lenses of my own experiences and I was an adult, I can only imagine all you went through and all the implications it had on you. I can’t wait to hear the rest of your story and learn how you worked on deconstructing everything, how you have worked with all of it. You are a wonderful person. 💖

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much for watching and for the lovely comment! Yes, it’s been a long road but absolutely worth it!

[@batyaswiftyasgur9500]

Serena, I am so moved by your courage and willingness to share your story. I wish you healing and peace and I look forward to reading your memoir when it comes out. Much love to you--and to Shelise, of course.

[@Hollywiththeflowers]

❤️. So glad that Serena has managed to break free, she is a warrior . What an eloquent and articulate soul she is, a complete inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, I’ve listened aghast and open mouthed. What an example of resilience in amongst the most abominable circumstances imaginable. ❤️

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Well said!

[@ChristineOfTheDowns]

Love this interview and this guest! I immediately wrote “What doesn’t kill you makes you KINDER and MORE UNDERSTANDING” in my journal with Serena’s name so I will not forget this incredible human. Great stuff, both of you! Many thanks!

[@SpecialBlanket]

I don't like associating abuse with some positive outcome like that. It kind of has the flavor of everything happens for a reason.

[@reoij]

​@@SpecialBlanket !!

[@reoij]

​@SpecialBlanket in fact, it would actually be better if it never happened.

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

What doesn't kill you also makes you wish like they had.

[@SpecialBlanket]

Oh, whoops, I didn't realize it was something the victim said. Well, whatever someone needs to cope.

[@annacolfescu2916]

As someone who absolutely loves to watch videos about cults, this is by far one of the best interviews I have seen!! Also, the most perfect Linda, Listen quotes I have heard on this channel!! Thank you both for such a great episode!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

So great to hear that! Thanks, Anna!❤️🙏

[@tdsollog]

So many points mentioned make me feel sickened on her behalf and for all the other children who were abused. Thank you for continuing to share your platform and shine a light on cults in a compassionate, non-exploitative way.

[@KimberleyInJapan1216]

Wow… I've lived in Japan since I was 7, and I'm astonished. I'm so relieved you are here to tell your story. Sending All my Respect ＆ Support✨

[@larissarenee4250]

You're so brave Serena. This was such a hard watch, but so necessary!

[@SukiSays23]

THANK YOU for setting this up in installments; it means so much more detail about each stage of her life and I really appreciate that! Also, I am so sorry that she had to go through this. Heartbreaking, disgusting and revolting…

[@ReginiaCales-kp9jt]

Poor children! Poor girl 😢 I am sorry this happened to you.

[@lynnbowenrealestate]

Wow wow wow what a crazy cult. I am so glad you are out and continuing to heal from your ordeals. You are very brave. You are a special one

[@imeowcat2350]

While listening to this, I found myself with tears in my eyes, gasping for air. This is a truly harrowing tale and so twisted and I'm shocked as I keep learning. The more stories I hear from Shelise's guests recounting their experiences (and what some humans are capable of) the more l realize how twisted things are, especially when it always seems to be wrapped up for the "good of god". I'm so glad that you are coping with all of this somehow. Life is one big experience and it just shows us that we just never know what the other person we meet on the street has been through and how important it is to never assume anything. I wish you all the power and strength you may need to be healthy and have good experiences from now on!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤❤❤

[@DrSaraGlass]

Wow so well spoken, this is an important story, and can serve as an example of how so many terrible things can be normalized in a culture where outside information is restricted. Sending so much respect to you Serena.

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much ❤

[@KittenPusher]

Thank you for sharing your story. Your strength and wisdom shine through the horrible abuse you suffered. May you find continued healing and happiness.

[@debygiannioti4271]

I have no words!!! Serena you are amazing! 😍😍😍😍

[@ciaraskeleton]

I found out about COG through the Phoenix family and Rose Mcgowan. I did a deep dive 2 years ago. I found out about 'Davidito' and the book, the pamphlets, the strip dances, the CSA, i went on to follow the life of Ricky Rodriguez as an adult and what came after. I cant believe this is real, i know it is, but i cant believe its real and that it has operated in plain site for so long. Theyre still active, though they deny the CSA now. Even though its literally out there, documented for anyone to discover. A lot of people who experienced abuse or partook in it deny it til this day or are passed on now. So it's amazing to hear you speak out in 2024/2025. This is one of the worst cults in human history. David is one of the most evil, insane, disgusting cult leaders to ever exist. I have no idea how the cult has managed to stay active and evade prosecution. Its impossible for me to wrap my head around.

[@Ms.Norths.Musings]

When you hear about the Children of God, It seemed more like hippy communes not really this csa stuff. Like Hippy adult chics pimped out for God. NOT children. This is absolutely horrific. I'M so sorry for these children who were so terribly abused their entire lives. Blessings for healing and Peace for them ALL. ✨️🎆✨️

[@lizdexamphetamine]

That's how it started - they told the women being pimped to start relationships or at least keep all the children from it so they would have more members, that's why there were so many children born and raised in the cult in the first place.

[@cabrown308]

Her mother is sad and twisted. Something happened to her because you don’t wind up with drug dealers and following through with sexual abuse without having something happen to you.

[@Cheesecakespancake]

Not necessarily some people may have happy childhood and just enjoy doing twisted things

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Possible

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

Psychopathy. Some people are born with brains that are wired this way. Trauma & abuse exacerbates it.

[@Shayne_T]

I agree with you---something had to have happened to her for her to choose such a life.

[@Shayne_T]

​@@CultstoConsciousness possible? Most likely.

[@joannetompkins7833]

Disgusting. I hate hearing the name of Jesus associated with these gross practices. Scary how "normal" people got brainwashed into thinking this behavior was fine and good.

[@Shayne_T]

Her mother was not normal... not even close.

[@septixskeptix1107]

You'd be surprised at how susceptible everybody is to brainwashing. Indoctrination is a powerful tool that allows those who are brainwashed to deny the very reality around them. Indoctrination is literally the reason that there are so many religions in this world and they are full of reality denying members who would give up their lives for their false beliefs. It's really easy to point fingers at others, but much harder to point them at ourselves and our own ingroups.

[@amarie1463]

Yessss!!! What a brain F! My dad was a CSA and my mom just blindly followed. It wasn't as severe as this, and I'm so sorry for your trauma.

[@jozsefizsak]

Thank you for sharing the ghastly story with us, Serena. It's comforting to know that you came through it with your sanity intact. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been. Any civilized person will be haunted by the realization that we have people around us who think it's perfectly fine to sexually abuse even very young children, including their own.

[@shilohgoes5544]

I admire your bravery & steadfastness Serena. Looking forward to the story of your escape, I know it’ll be inspiring. I can’t imagine how long it took to deconstruct the huge amounts of grooming you were exposed to from the beginning of your life. Your strength is unmatched.

[@serkelley]

Wow, Thank you so much for the beautiful words, and thank you for watching!

[@wansleyleah]

This was a whole hour and a half of the most "WOW" testimony of Cult Fleeing I've seen on this channel yet... You could see that Shelise was even just 🤯🤯🤯🤯 at some of the things said... this was a T R I P

[@victoriaroberts7034]

This was such a good conversation thank you for being so brave and strong to share with us. Probably the best "Linda Listen" statement, so obvious but yet I hadn't even thought of it that way ❤ I cannot wait for part 2

[@hanab837]

I cannot even fathom this. 😢

[@soulie1971]

Serena is amazing! Resilient and fierce! Thank you for sharing your harrowing experiences with us!

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@victoriafinney3043]

I'm in company so will watch this later. Thank you for being so brave as to speak out. I was watching subtitles and it hit "she was proud of it" and I realised SOMEONE has a more unhinged parent than me. Damn. I'm sorry.

[@Littlebeetlebug]

Oh! And LOVE your work love your voice love your messages love your service to others healing!! Thank you. Had to say. Thanks. My husband has had to heal majorly from growing up in a religious based group and it’s unimaginable. Death, alcoholics, suicide, drugs, it’s so horrible. My husband got out and married me and started a life of his own. They only want to talk to one another, marry each other and you can’t be part of that group at all or even marry into it. You are shunned or treated horribly if you choose to go against the religion and your family

[@1ccTooTall]

Wow. The scale of abuse was horrific. Kudos to you for surviving that!

[@fish3339]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's very important that these voices are heard!

[@WyoKat28]

Wow…Watched both episodes today and I definitely need to have a mental health check. I applaud you both for these episodes. I cannot imagine the pain from that life. Congratulations on becoming so absolutely amazing!!

[@MustAvoidScurvy]

A few years ago I saw one of the cult booklets, because I didn't know what it was. The booklet had only drawings, but I can't forget it. The playful tone of the drawings was so jarring. I can't imagine how is to see the books with real pictures. I'm so heartbroken for all children that went trough all this and children still living similar experiences 💔 Shelise, thank you always for your kindness and empathy interviewing all of your guests. Serena is an amazing woman, she is a great storyteller! I wonder how the contraception worked in the cult.

[@MarisolHaunting]

Thank you for doing this hard work of shining light into these ugly parts of the world and allowing for healing to take place.

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

Thanks for exposing this abuse. 😢 glad you escaped and educate others.

[@grace_wins.]

Your guest is an amazing survivor and so brave to speak out. I wish you complete healing with God's help. I can't imagine what you have been through! 😢

[@TandyMartin]

Wow. Stumbled on this.I have no words but thank you for presenting.

[@candyvigil550]

I'm so sorry for all that you experienced. It's so hard to believe that there are such cruel delusional people out there. I can't imagine being a victim of such horrific things. How hard it must have been for you. So, so heart breaking.

[@lauraestrada7279]

@Cults to Consciousness Shelise you never cease to amaze me with the spectrum of familial trauma you cover. As an ex fundie anything with sexual suppression attached to it is infuriating. Than we have the opposite where Gods Love is mixed in with sexuality and pleasure. Now that just leads to EVIL.

[@Romyyy9]

I don't even have the words to express what I feel after watching this video. Thank you for making yet again, another voice be heard.

[@yellowdiamond4101]

Wonderful ending statement about answering children's questions. Thank you for sharing.

[@michelepascoe6068]

Thanks for sharing. So sad that the perpetrators weren't brought to justice.

[@emmelinesprig489]

What a powerful story... She withstood evil beyond anything I’ve heard. Layers and layers of evil. Digging out of that filth to escape and survive and begin healing and tell her story. I’m just in awe.

[@newgabe09]

What a wonderful interviewer you are. And Serena, thank you for your extraordinary clarity in telling your story.

[@serkelley]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@heidifluteatl]

Thank you for the bravery in telling your story. I am so sorry for everything that happened to you but absolutely amazed at the woman you become. It must have taken so much work spiritually psychologically even physically to recover to the point you're at. Bravo may your story help others who have been through CSA.

[@spiritualanarchy5465]

OM! I remember this family and was in a like cult. So glad you got out honey. Love your life. Its yours now

[@MsLolaapril1]

your guests are so strong, to tell their stories 🙏.

[@francesrivera3569]

Oh my god! I've been watching your channel faithfully since late spring and this episode just blew me away. I really have no other words other than, I'm glad you made it out Serena! Best wishes to you for a healthy healing and fantastic life!

[@rochellemorris9172]

We are going to need a 5 part series on her story. Wow

[@AthenaOwl_]

Wow, so sorry to hear about all of this, Serena, and how quickly you were forced to grow and also hide away at such a young age. Thank you for sharing your story. The amount of CSA and abuse to the number of children and teens is horrific.

[@chappieshappy]

My heart breaks for you. So much CSA in the world it just blows my mind. Hugs for you Serena for all you have been through .

[@harlee9595]

As soon as I heard the word Davidito my heart stopped. This is a case that I will never forget and I'm so grateful to her for talking today♡ I hope her life is filled with nothing but love and peace ♡

[@Meeks966]

I am only 20 mins in but I suspect that her mother can only come up with the logic of “Dad told me to” because any other reason might shatter her reality and sense that she was doing it for good. To her, there is no other answer.

[@Rachel.L.]

Serena, thank you so much for sharing your story. It's horrific but stories like yours need to be shared.

[@sabrinacook1860]

Thank you for all you do!

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

Serena thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@larsonanne]

Absolutely horrific and heart-breaking story. And yet another example of how sexual abuse is a feature, not a bug, within cults.

[@katherinev7848]

I’m so sorry for you Serena.. absolutely heartbreaking!! 😢

[@iriniaamartin-stockton283]

That's some Evil s*** spewing from her mouth. So sorry you suffered this God BLESS YOU ALWAYS

[@FoxloidShiroko]

I don't even know what to say, I'm so deeply disturbed to hear about everything you went through when you were so young, so amazed you were able to escape and survive, and now sit here and share your story with the world. My heart goes out to everyone who was impacted by this cult, especially the children... I hope all of you are healing and finding happiness every day ;; Thank you for being so candid about all of it and helping us all learn more about situations like these

[@rotbot4u]

cults are the absolute worst thing to happen to humanity especially religious

[@SiobhanNkodithePom]

This is heartbreaking, and I’m so sorry for everything you went through.

[@LucidLifeVibes]

"Their own power... Their intuition" absolutely 💯✨✨✨

[@nizhoni26]

I'm so sorry, you are so strong. I'm 31 minutes in, and I have to stop listening to this. I am so disgusted. Keep doing what you are doing, ladies. It is so important.

[@tell-me-a-story-]

The name “Davadito” reminds me of “Lolita.” His real name wasn’t Davadito, it was Ricky. Just like Lolita, who in the book was actually named Dolores. In both the real life situation and the book, the children are given longer, more romanticized names. I think this exists because it strips the child of their identity outside of how the abuser sees them. It’s a form of controlling both the child and the narrative. It’s telling the child, “You belong to me. The reality of who you are doesn’t matter. Only the way I see you matters.” Both of the names have an “Ito” or an “Ita” in it, Spanish for “Little.” Fetishizing their smallness and childhood. Both of them have a forced exoticism to them, propping them up as “Different” than other children. Both of them where thought up by the abuser, erasing the child’s identity.

[@ericapoe]

I’ve seen other documentaries about this cult but this is always hard to listen to.. God this man was atrocious.. hell is not even bad enough for him to burn in😔. I’m glad many victims freed themselves from this monstrous cult and share their stories.

[@1ACL]

I'm going to throw up. Omg. Unreal.😢

[@Shayne_T]

I agree. I should not be listening to this.

[@katwitanruna]

It’s very important to do self care when making these or listening to them. Be kind to yourself.

[@cabrown308]

I am so sorry you had to endure this criminal abuse. May they reap their justice rewards. 🤬🤬

[@marials9245]

Omg, I’m so sorry Serena for everything that you went through. I cannot imagine how you survived all the abuse ❤

[@ValdesVibes]

Scary how normal people can get brainwashed to commit these disgusting crimes. I feel so bad for all the children that were victims.

[@ayamystic2]

Pretty sure she was a victim of CSA and in denial about it. They know it’s wrong which is why they dissociate.

[@ninjawizard3865]

Are they normal or were they a little messed up before they joined....makes it difficult.

[@lynnefeldman1301]

How is she so normal now? What incredible resilience!

[@amandathelesbian]

I mean you don’t exactly know her, but yes just through this interview she’s a very composed woman.

[@ahimsainthekitchen]

Intelligent people are usually very mentally strong. I am sure she had a lot of help. It's terrible what humans do to other humans and animals...

[@serkelley]

I don’t know if I would consider myself normal, but I certainly worked hard to get to a place where I am living a wonderful life and able to function in society and contribute to the world! Thank you so much for watching :-)

[@tsf637]

I can’t imagine how any mother, especially one raised in a normal and healthy home could agree to abuse a child for any reason! I am glad you escaped and I pray you heal. God have mercy on these poor children

[@heatherhammersmith8997]

Every aspect of Serena's childhood is absolutely horrific and all words fail in response. Watching this interview I'm reminded of the heroine at the center of the mass r*ape trial in France because Serena shows such powerful clarity in knowing exactly where in the shame belongs - truly inspirational. About the ring (28 min in)...my mother had a ring like that, in theme anyway. It was actually made up of 3 flat rings (one for each hand plus one for the heart) hinged together and when they slid together to make one ring, the hands clasped over the heart. I'm pretty sure my mother said it was a family heirloom (not worth any money - might've been copper, no gems) and that it was an Irish wedding ring but I believe I was told the hands were supposed to symbolize one from each spouse. If I'm remembering correctly, it was a traditional style for poorer Irish families over 100 years ago. I loved the concept of the whole ring when I was a kid and when Serena shared what she was told it meant, I immediately had a sickening claustrophobic feel. I hope Serena feels hundreds of hands here holding her heart up in loving support.

[@serkelley]

This channel and community has been incredibly supportive, I’m so thankful for all of you ❤

[@playinglifeoneasy9226]

Holy cow that is a history like none other I have heard and I have born witness to many of these.

[@silktish]

Serena is definitely a warrior. The more I hear about this cult, the more I'm amazed by people who survived. ❤❤

[@jonathanfarquhar]

Wow so horrible and disgusting but this needs to be talked about to bring awareness that this kind of shit happens. Can't believe the mindset of parents doing this. Thanks for telling us your story serena ❤

[@lauriepierce4068]

This woman is miraculously sane and able to share this horrific abuse. So strong and courageous.

[@SweetiePieTweety]

😔😢💔 Her upbeat disposition is so telling. It’s how you learn to roll. So sad this story of her life… and others. ❤️‍🩹

[@issheprettyfromthebackk45]

my auntie was the biological daughter of father yod aka james edward baker. leader of the source family. luckily, she got out as a baby because he died in 1975. but i can't imagine how traumatic it was for her to learn about it when she got older... i have not spoken to her about it. Serena, i am so glad you made it out, and you are so brave for sharing your story. 💜

[@we.r.wine.bottles.im.at.work.]

This is incredibly sad! 😢😢😢