The first section provides a definition of cults; a brief history of cults; an overview of the process of brainwashing, psychological coercion, and thought reform; and a discussion of how cults threaten legitimate institutions, endanger children and families, engage in conspiracy and fraud, and commit violence. The second section discusses how cults operate in terms of their recruitment process, physiological persuasion techniques, psychological persuasion techniques, intrusion into the workplace, and use of threat and intimidation. The final section deals with ways in which outside agents can rescue cult members, particularly children, and help them recover from cult after-effects.