Disconnection is a very real suppressive operation the CoS uses... they use this mechanism to pull family members and friends who have left, quietly or noisely, back into line and keep their mouths shut or to keep those individuals who want out in as they know what the Church will do if they leave.
Those family members/friends who don't want to cause a fuss or upset this Church stay quiet so they can at least maintain their comm. lines or some form of contact with their family members still in.
Me, I'm the family member who will cause a fuss and stand up and say enough, stand up for the SO member, my daughter who is still in there.
For me there is no other ethical option, my own integrity will not allow me to sit back and allow this Church to continue it's violation of Human Rights, it's human trafficking operation, bullying and discrimination in the workplace, advocation of abortion and so on..
I feel for every individual who has had disconnection applied to them, it really is time to make a stand.