ExitMap — Product Specification¶
Status: Planned Priority: P2 — Exit/Safety stack
Overview¶
ExitMap helps people leave high-control groups — cults, abusive religious organizations, MLMs, and controlling relationships. It provides secure planning, resource connections, and identity rebuilding support.
Target Users¶
- People in cults or high-control religious groups
- People trapped in MLMs
- People in controlling/abusive relationships
- People leaving insular communities
- Cult recovery therapists and exit counselors
Core Value Proposition¶
"Plan your exit safely. You're not alone."
The Problem¶
Leaving a high-control group is dangerous and complex:
What you might lose: - Housing (lived in community) - Income (worked for organization) - Friends (everyone you know is inside) - Family (shunning policies) - Identity (who are you without it?)
Dangers: - Groups may monitor devices - Groups may stalk/harass leavers - Financial exploitation may continue - Psychological manipulation continues
Current "solutions": - Nothing purpose-built exists - General resources don't address safety - Therapists may not understand the specific dynamics
Features¶
MVP¶
| Feature | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Vault | Plan storage that group can't access | P0 |
| Exit Checklist | Personalized steps for leaving safely | P0 |
| Resource Directory | Vetted therapists, legal aid, housing | P0 |
| Community Connection | Anonymous forums for people who've left | P0 |
| Safety Planning | What to do if threatened | P0 |
V1¶
| Feature | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Rebuilding | "Who am I now?" guided exercises | P1 |
| Financial Untangling | Separate finances from group | P1 |
| Legal Resources | Know your rights by jurisdiction | P1 |
| Trusted Contact Network | Connect with verified former members | P1 |
V2¶
| Feature | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Dashboard | Tools for exit counselors | P2 |
| Evidence Documentation | Build case for potential legal action | P2 |
| Group Database | Information about specific groups | P2 |
| Media Connection | Connect with journalists investigating groups | P2 |
Security Model¶
Device Security Concerns¶
Users may be on monitored devices: - Group-provided phones - Shared family computers - Devices with monitoring software
Mitigations: - No app installation required (web-based) - Incognito mode guidance - Quick-exit button (clears screen immediately) - Decoy login (shows innocent content) - No identifying emails sent unless requested
Encryption¶
Default: Class C (Zero-Knowledge)
ExitMap planning documents must be protected from: - Group leaders who might access devices - Controlling family members - Legal discovery if group sues
The platform CANNOT be compelled to reveal plans.
Safety Features¶
Quick Exit Button¶
Prominent button that immediately: - Clears the screen - Shows a neutral page (e.g., weather) - Clears recent browser history for the site - Does not log out (user can return via incognito)
Decoy Mode¶
Optional second login that shows: - Innocent-looking content (recipes, to-do list) - No hint of real account - Plausible if someone demands to see
Communication Safety¶
- No emails unless user explicitly opts in
- No push notifications to device
- SMS from generic sender name
- All communication can be disabled
Content Approach¶
Validation Without Judgment¶
Many people in high-control groups: - Don't realize they're in one - Feel defensive about the group - Are testing the waters
Content should: - Not label groups as "cults" immediately - Use "high-control" language - Meet people where they are - Provide information, not judgment
Trauma-Informed¶
Users may be experiencing: - Cognitive dissonance - Shame and guilt - Fear of the outside world - Grief for lost community
Every interaction should be: - Patient - Non-judgmental - Empowering (user makes decisions) - Hopeful but realistic
Pricing¶
| Tier | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Exit checklist, resource directory, community | $0 |
| Supported | + Secure vault, safety planning, therapist matching | $9/mo |
| Professional | Tools for exit counselors and therapists | $49/mo |
Note: Consider grant funding to make supported tier free for users.
Relationship to GhostProtocol¶
ExitMap → GhostProtocol for users who need to disappear:
- ExitMap: Plan and execute exit from group
- GhostProtocol: Establish new identity, disappear completely
Most ExitMap users don't need GhostProtocol. The escalation path exists for dangerous situations.
ExitMap serves people in crisis. Every design decision should prioritize their safety.