Strength in their numbers: More Church of Scientology defectors step forward with accounts of abuse - 2009-08-01

Strength in their numbers: More Church of Scientology defectors step forward with accounts of abuse August 1, 2009, Joe Childs, Tampa Bay Times

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Now their stories have prompted other former Scientology veterans to go public about physical and mental abuses they say they witnessed and endured.

Some want to support and defend the initial four, whom church representatives labeled as liars attempting a coup. Others say they feel more secure now that Rathbun, Rinder and the others are on the record with their unprecedented accounts of life on the inside.

But fear still prevents many defectors from talking. For every former church staffer willing to speak out, one or two more refused.

Those who talked confirm the earlier defectors' stories of erratic, dehumanizing treatment and provide a deeper view into the controlling environment in which members of the religious order known as the Sea Org live and work.

Four men joined Rinder, De Vocht and Rathbun in saying: David Miscavige assaulted me.

Wikipedia cite:

{{cite news | first = Joe | last = Childs | author2 = Thomas C. Tobin | title = Strength in their numbers: More Church of Scientology defectors step forward with accounts of abuse | url = http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1023717.ece | work = Tampa Bay Times | date = August 1, 2009 | accessdate = January 14, 2017 }}