Stop Mandated Shunning was honored with the Herbert L. Rosedale Humanitarian Award

July 4, 2026 in San Diego: A Milestone for Stop Mandated Shunning at the ICSA Annual Conference, by Monica Velin Rodriquez

The 2026 Annual Conference of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) was held in San Diego, CA.

"During the conference, Stop Mandated Shunning was honored with the Herbert L. Rosedale Humanitarian Award, presented in recognition of leadership in protecting individual freedom, supporting those harmed by high-control groups, and raising public awareness of the ethical and legal dimensions of coercive practices.

SMS team member, Patrick Haeck, accepted the award and dedicated it to all the people who have suffered from organized ostracism and hope to be reunited with their loved ones.

This award tells thousands of individuals around the world who have experienced mandated shunning that their suffering is no longer invisible! Their experiences are being acknowledged by respected researchers, clinicians, legal professionals, and human rights advocates.

We are especially grateful to ICSA for its longstanding commitment to rigorous research, respectful dialogue, and compassionate support for those affected by coercive control.

By recognizing mandated shunning through one of its highest humanitarian awards, ICSA has also affirmed that this issue deserves continued scholarly, legal, and public attention.

"Freedom of religion" must never be used as an excuse to harm others!!"

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