Laura McConnell, who was raised in the Truth Two by Twos cult in rural northern Victoria, shared her experiences during a parliamentary inquiry. She was shunned by the group at age 19. The cult is also known as The Church With No Name, The Truth, or The Way.

"I was a queer kid who did not want to get married and have children, which was expected of me," McConnell said. She expressed a desire for education and a career, which led to her being pushed out of the community. McConnell described her upbringing as surrounded by family violence, child sexual abuse, grooming, and various forms of abuse. She now lives with complex post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.

Her testimony is part of the 317 submissions to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the recruitment and impact of cults and fringe groups. Survivors are advocating for specific laws and a dedicated social services department to assist former cult members. According to the inquiry, 95 percent of respondents reported experiencing psychological harm, including mind control, emotional abuse, and isolation from family and friends.

The Two by Twos cult operates without formal registration, which has allowed it to remain hidden. McConnell noted that the group relies on oral traditions rather than written ideology. "The secretive nature of this group has allowed them to stay hidden and allowed them to shame many survivors into silence for decades with very little support," she said.

The cult holds annual gatherings in regional Victoria, including locations like Ouyen, Drouin, Colac, and Thoona. McConnell revealed that during a crucial 10-year period in her childhood, 75 percent of the clergy who visited her community faced allegations of abuse, with half of them having abused her directly. She recalled being sexualized and expected to protect herself from predators from a young age.

Because the Two by Twos is unregistered, survivors cannot access the national redress scheme. McConnell explained that the group operates on cash donations and often channels funds through legitimate businesses owned by wealthy members.

After leaving the community 26 years ago, McConnell has assisted others in escaping but could only do so publicly after her grandparents passed away, fearing reprisals. She expressed hope that sharing her story could lead to change. "By sharing some of our experiences, we can reclaim some power and return some shame to where it belongs," she stated.

Clare Heath-McIvor, head of the Victorian Cult Survivor Network, also spoke at the inquiry. She provided insights into the City Builders Church, where her father, Brian, serves as the lead pastor. Heath-McIvor left the church following a conflict between her husband and her father. Her sister, Renee Heath, was elected as a Liberal upper house member for Eastern Victoria in 2022.

The inquiry continues to gather testimonies from survivors, aiming to address the impact of cults and fringe groups in the region.