Faith abuse
Faith and belief-based child abuse, including practices around ‘spirit possession’ and ‘witchcraft’, is a hidden crime, which makes it difficult to quantify in terms of magnitude. Abuse can be separated into five different areas:
- Abuse as a result of a child being accused of being a ‘witch’
- Abuse as a result of a child being accused of being possessed by ‘evil spirits’
- Ritualistic abuse which is prolonged sexual, physical and psychological abuse
- Satanic abuse which is carried out in the name of ‘Satan’ and may have links to cults
- Any other harmful practice linked to a belief or faith
For more in depth information and how to spot the signs and symptoms of faith abuse then please follow this link:
www.met.police.uk/faith-based-abuse
For information on how to report any suspicions regarding faith abuse please follow this link:
www.met.police.uk/report-child-abuse
If you are worried or have any concerns, please contact Alert Training UK.
During office hours: 01722332212
Outside of office hours: 07967000048
E-mail: damon.saddler@alerttraining.co.uk
Other useful resources
NSPCC
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Telephone for adults: 08088005000
Telephone for children: 08001111
The Mix
A huge resource for the under 25s, covering everything from bereavement, exam stress, emotional abuse, mental health to homelessness. A confidential service with a 24 hour helpline.
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Telephone: 08088084994