Toolkit/S.L.I.C.E. v1/Quick-Start Guide
Quick-Start Guide
A condensed overview of S.L.I.C.E. v1. Five dimensions, key questions, red flags and next steps—all on one page.
What Is S.L.I.C.E.?
A five-part framework for understanding how groups or individuals use control, isolation and psychological pressure to keep people dependent and compliant.
The Five Dimensions
Work through each dimension. Write down specific examples for the situation you are assessing.
How is the group organized? Who has power?
- Is there a clear leader or small ruling group?
- Is there a hierarchy or tiered membership?
- How are decisions made?
- How do members communicate?
What can members not do?
- Can they leave freely?
- Can they contact outsiders?
- What information is restricted?
- Can they make their own decisions?
How does the group create pressure to believe and obey?
- Is there a special ideology or belief system?
- Are members told they are special or chosen?
- Is the outside world framed as dangerous?
- Are members made to feel dependent on the group?
How does the group enforce compliance?
- Is there control over money or finances?
- Is there punishment for disobedience?
- Is there control over work, sleep or daily activity?
- Are members monitored by others?
How dangerous is this? Is it getting worse?
- Is control increasing over time?
- Are members becoming more isolated?
- Is there evidence of physical, financial or psychological harm?
- Are there signs of distress in members?
How to Use This Framework
Pick a situation. Choose a group, relationship or environment you want to understand.
Ask the questions. Work through each dimension and write down specific examples.
Look for patterns. Check whether control appears across multiple dimensions.
Assess risk. Decide whether the situation appears low risk, moderate risk or high risk—and whether it appears stable or escalating.
Decide what to do. Document findings and seek appropriate professional support if needed.
Red Flags Across All Dimensions
- One person has absolute authority
- Questioning is forbidden or punished
- Leaving is made extremely difficult
- Contact with outsiders is restricted
- Information is controlled or censored
- Members must ask permission for ordinary decisions
- Disobedience results in public shaming or isolation
- The group controls money or work
- Members are monitored
- Control is increasing rather than decreasing
- Members show signs of trauma or distress
Important Boundaries
- S.L.I.C.E. helps you understand a situation.
- S.L.I.C.E. is not a diagnosis or proof of wrongdoing.
- S.L.I.C.E. is not a substitute for legal, clinical or safeguarding advice.
- S.L.I.C.E. does not let you force someone to leave a group.
Next Steps
- 01Use the S.L.I.C.E. worksheet to organize your observations.
- 02Review the worked examples to see how the framework is applied.
- 03Speak with a qualified professional if you are concerned.
- 04Document what you observe with dates, incidents and sources.
- 05Take care of yourself. Supporting someone in a high-control situation can be draining.
For more detail on evidence weighting and confidence levels, see the professional guide or the step-by-step application guide. For complex cases, see When to Consult.
Go Deeper
For a full walkthrough of how to apply the framework, use the step-by-step guide. For a structured template, use the worksheet.