Laura was recruited into Shincheonji, a Korean Christian cult, in Auckland at the age of 27 and was a member for 5 years, giving up her job, savings and distancing herself from friends and family.

She has been out for over 5 years now and has slowly rebuilt her life, rediscovering who she is, from running a marathon to taking hip hop classes, dipping her toes into the world of dating apps, travelling and moving back to her hometown of Christchurch.

She has spoken out about her experience over the past few years including the Decult Conference in 2024 in the hope that others can avoid being recruited, and so current members know there is life after leaving.