Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo

HBO Max has released Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo. This three-part documentary features survivors of the church La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World) including Sochil Martin, a member of RAINN’s Speakers Bureau. In this gripping and unforgettable documentary, Sochil Martin shares her experience, which goes all the way back into her childhood and family lineage.

La Luz del Mundo is a church that was founded in Mexico in 1926 and claims to have more than five million followers in over 50 countries. Critics of the church have labeled it a cult.

Sochil says the church “almost makes it seem romantic, like a fairytale,” as a grooming technique. “You’re going to be a princess.”

Survivors in the film recount traumatic experiences, charging that the leader of the church sexually and physically abused them. They say that they were at the mercy of the apostle, often being told they were “acting sinful”, a manipulation tactic that isolated the victims from their families.

“If something happens to me, my daughter or my husband, it’s coming from them. This isn’t a church. This is some sort of mafia. This is about the systematic abuse of women's rights,” says Sochil.

Sochil shares that she “appreciates the platform RAINN gives survivors like me to share the experiences of living in a cult.

“If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, it is never too late to get help and start healing. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, anonymous support 24/7. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org to get help.

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