In some way denial is more or less a part of the cognitive dissonance.....or at least some pseudo-denial.
In some way the GB might understand and be aware of all suffering, but sice obeying is more important than free thaought and a good life (before the big A) the suffering is considered irrelevant.
They also have some compensation theory......every loyal believer will be compensated in the paradise, therefore...again.....suffering is irrelevant.
Besides....suffering makes the believers more dependent of hope of something better in the future.....not to stop suffering now, such a stop is just for the time, not a permanent stop. So, yes, my idea is that suffering is irrelevant for cult personalities...at least others suffering. It's very cynical.......moraly worse than plain psychological denying.