Former Jehovah's Witnesses say the religion's practice of shunning followers who leave the faith causes serious long-term harm and is a breach of human rights.
According to the religion's beliefs, followers are not allowed to associate with anyone who is kicked out or leaves the faith by choice, even close family members, and its website gives explicit instructions on how to shun.
Investigative reporter Anusha Bradley reports.
You can read Anusha's special report into shunning within the Jehovah's Witness church on rnz.co.nz/somethingevil. You can also hear more about Cassie Dean's personal story growing up in the church in a special episode of The Detail podcast, out this Saturday.
