“Can religion justify the actions of mothers and fathers who mistreat their errant children? Investigative reporter Janet Heimlich says no in her new book Breaking Their Will, as she supports children’s rights in law and in parental practice. She cites a wealth of anecdotes, case studies, expert opinions, and research studies about a variety of sects, cults, and mainline religious groups. Such destructive groups approve psychological and physical abuse and even medical neglect of their young.

As a former child, a parent, a grandparent, a citizen, and a psychologist, I found the book interesting, balanced, and informative. Heimlich succeeds in tackling a controversial topic fairly and comprehensively.”
— Arthur A. Dole, PhD, ABPP, Emeritus Professor Psychological Services, University of Pennsylvania, and Director, International Cultic Studies Association

 

“Breaking Their Will is a powerful and deeply disturbing book, wide ranging in its exploration of religiously based physical and mental abuse of children past and present, and richly informed by both personal and scholarly reflections and insights. This book will have a profound impact upon the consciences and actions of readers from a wide range of religious perspectives who surely will be convinced, after finishing this book, that children deserve to be free from all forms of physical violence in the guise of discipline and the other forms of physical and mental abuse explored in Heimlich’s book.”
— Philip Greven, Author of Spare the Child: The Religious Roots of Punishment and the Psychological Impact of Physical Abuse