The Latest Breaking News from Mestyanek Young

Daniella grew up in The Family, then joined the army — where she experienced toxic control, again

Daniella Mestyanek Young grew up in the Children of God cult, also known as The Family. She escaped aged 15, then joined the US army after college – and recognised similar systems of toxic control.

ABC News · Jan 26, 2023

‘Have I just joined another cult?’: Daniella grew up in The Family, then joined the army – where she experienced toxic control, again

On Daniella Mestyanek Young’s first day of military training, she stands among her fellow recruits holding a duffle bag high in one arm above her head. As she ponders the other bodies lined up in her peripheral vision, all struggling to maintain the same pose, it gradually occurs to her…

The Conversation · Jan 25, 2023