Ritual abuse

Ritual child abuseRitual abuse adds a new dimension to the maltreatment
of children. It can be defined as the sexual molestation of
children, usually by multiple perpetrators, in conjunction
with rituals that ceremonially invoke magical or supernatural
powers. This abuse may also involve the terrorization and
intimidation of victims in order to prevent them from disclosing the maltreatment. In a national study of child abuse
in day-care centers, Finkelhor et al. (1988) discovered 36
cases of sexual abuse in which investigators detected bizarre
ritualistic elements. Ritual abuse has also been described
by Gould (1987) and Kaye and Klein (1987).In addition to the above signs, victims characteristically manifest phenomena connoting bizarre rituals (Gould, 1987). For example, a child may speak of ingesting human or animal parts or body fluids, of drinking “Koolaide” or potions, or of the exsanguination, sacrifice, and mutilation of animals, infants, or adults. The child may be fearful of or preoccupied with drinking or losing blood, being killed to provide blood, being urinated or defecated upon, or urinating or defecating on others. A preoccupation with insects, animals, cemeteries, monsters, witches, devils, vampires, demons, evil spirits, crosses, crucifixion, curses, colors, or occult symbols may be evident; the child may be convinced that a demon is inside him or her, watching every move. The child may incant or dance ritualistically, sing songs with a “you better not tell” theme, or speak of being photographed or filmed--- Nurcumbe, Unutzer, 1991
Category:Harm