Kim was looking for paternal affection when she became an intern under Greg Baer. She frequently found solace in being held by him. Kim believed fears were holding her back and was directed by Baer to remove her top and bra. He held her without touching her inappropriately, which she initially found special, likening it to parental care. Kim later viewed this as classic grooming behavior. She asked Baer about a more significant shift, which led to another incident in the pool house where she was instructed to undress completely. Baer then lay beside her and touched her.
On reflection, Kim realized she didn’t feel free to refuse. The belief persisted that defying Baer would result in being dismissed. An alarming call from her daughter Penelope finally pushed her to reconsider the situation and discuss it with other community women, revealing more stories of similar experiences.
“I was lost and lonely,” said Inge Jechart, another victim. Being part of the Real Love community, she found Baer’s unconventional methods initially comforting, until the boundaries were crossed.
Inge, a physics Ph.D. holder, joined Real Love following a friend’s recommendation. Baer’s techniques, like holding her on his lap, evoked a deep emotional response. However, comfort turned questionable when Baer touched her breasts during a session. Baer’s stern instruction not to discuss these experiences reinforced the secrecy, discouraging many women, including Inge, from speaking out.
Kim was initially unaware of similar incidents occurring with her daughter. Her awakening led to emails confronting Baer, accusing him of damaging behavior and demanding it cease. Baer dismissed the allegations, claiming exaggeration and fabrication.
The backlash expanded with more accusations, including from women like one from the U.K., imploring Baer to halt Real Love activities. Baer firmly denied these accusations, maintaining innocence and the purpose of healing through his practices.
Despite reaching out to the police in Rome, there wasn’t enough evidence for a criminal case. However, both Penelope and Veena, another woman involved, pursued civil lawsuits in Georgia’s Floyd County Superior Court. These were later settled for $12,000 each. Additionally, Baer faced ecclesiastical proceedings initiated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Veena, disentangled from Real Love, pursued higher education, shifting from physics to psychology, to better understand her past experiences. She documented her story in a memoir, “The True Happiness Company,” to cope and warn others about being influenced in such environments.
Her memoir reflects on loss beyond the physical violation, focusing on the mental and emotional manipulation and life opportunities unpursued due to Baer’s influence. Veena hopes sharing her story will guide others in recognizing undue influence.
If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via call or text, or visit their website for support.