They often must contribute large sums of money to the group, which generally goes to the group or its leaders, and not to improve the world, as they claim. Cults generally force followers to break relations with their families outside of the cult. If the family is inside the cult, they weaken or destroy the family and love ties so that affection and loyalty go to the leaders and the group. Members, especially women and children, may be psychologically, physically or sexually abused. Leaders can skillfully manipulate the followers through sexual humiliation and general fear.
Some groups are heavily armed and train their members, even small children, to use weapons.
Cults often have contempt for outside society and its laws and social mores because they believe their mission places them above human standards. Thus cults often break many laws. They're concerned about occult groups and groups practicing Satanic rituals. These rituals include animal mutilations and sacrifices. In one case a drugsmuggling group in Matamoros, Mexico killed 13 people, including a University of Texas student.