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Child abuse linked to witchcraft on the rise in UK (10 October 2014)

Date: 10/10/2014
Duncan Lewis, Child Care Solicitors, Child abuse linked to witchcraft on the rise in UK

The UK is seeing a steep increase in the number of child abuse cases involving witchcraft.

In some communities, witchcraft is sometimes blamed for behavioural difficulties children may be experiencing – or children being possessed by evil spirits may even be blamed for “bad luck” a family may be experiencing.

Even sleepwalking conditions or children who talk in their sleep may in some communities be interpreted as “possession” by an evil spirit – or evidence of “Satan” at work.

Ceremonies to cleanse a child of an evil spirit may involve drinking blood or blood letting, as well as ritual beatings to rid the body of evil – or dunking in water to cleanse the body of an evil spirit.

In some cases, children have died has a result of their injuries or suffered serious physical and psychological injuries.

BBC News reports that figures from the Metropolitan Police in London have shown a steady increase in the number of cases being reported since 2011, when nine cases of child abuse linked to witchcraft were recorded by the Met Police.

However in 2012, the number rose to 19, with a total of 24 cases reported in 2013.

In the last year, a total of 27 cases have been reported – two of these involve child rape.

Over the last 10 years, the Met Police say 148 cases of child abuse linked to witchcraft have been reported.

Police will now meet with teachers, healthcare professionals and youth and social workers at London’s City hall to discuss how best to deal with the increasing number of child abuse cases linked to witchcraft.

Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe from the Met Police said that ritualistic child abuse was still a hidden crime – and some families genuinely believe that a child had been taken over or possessed by an evil spirit.

However, he said that in cases in which children were being abused because of religious belief, it was important for professionals working with children to recognise the signs of ritualistic child abuse.

“Abuse linked to belief is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths,” he said.

“A number of high-profile investigations brought the issue of ritual abuse and witchcraft into the headlines – but it is important that professionals are clear about the signs to look for.

“Regardless of the beliefs of the abusers, child abuse is child abuse,” he added.

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