ABSTRACT
Conferences can be wonderful places where survivors can learn from one another and from helpful speakers. But they can also be places where survivors are accessed by perpetrator group members and re-abused, including survivors who were physically safe prior to the conference. Perpetrator attendees or speakers can use hand signals or trigger words or visual images like tarot cards or playing cards to bring out compliant parts and trigger programs. Perhaps online discussion groups might be safer. Members can invite others to stay with them for conferences, and bad things can happen during such visits. Words can be used to trigger programming. An article on one website for survivors pooh-poohs the idea that hand signals and other triggers are real and can have actual effects on survivors, suggesting that those who talk about this are spreading paranoia and can lead survivors to go crazy. Some articles on such websites are very helpful; others include coded messages reinforcing programming and disinformation.
