Rise in child abuse investigations linked to fears of witchcraft

Police are investigating increasing numbers of cases where children are being assaulted because of suspicions about witchcraft.

This year so far, 27 cases of ritual child abuse have or are still being investigated by the Metropolitan Police, including two allegations of rape. This compares to to 24 in 2013, 19 in 2012 and nine in 2011. There have ben 148 referrals to the Met since 2004.

Victoria Climbie was tortured and murdered by her great aunt and great aunt's boyfriend. Wikipedia

Teachers and other professionals who work with children have been invited to meet police at City Hall in London to discuss the problem. 

Allegations included a child being swung around and smacked on the head to "drive out the devil" and youngsters being dunked in water, according to an investigation by the BBC.

Deaths linked to ritual child abuse include Kristy Bamu, 15, tortured and drowned by his sister and her boyfriend in 2010 and Victoria Climbie in 2000, whose aunt and boyfriend had believed she was possessed and who were found guilty of murder.

Det Supt Terry Sharpe said ritualistic abuse was a hidden crime.

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

Some families genuinely believed the victim had been taken over by the devil or an evil spirit, he said.

"Regardless of the beliefs of the abusers, child abuse is child abuse."

article,article,article,article Related

The independent investigator Richard Hoskings told BBC London 94.9 that most of the cases involved communities from Asia, west and central Africa and that children are being used as scapegots. "Children are being accused of witchcraft and they're being accused of being the source of all the evil that's taking place."

Simon Bass from the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service said: "We are not remotely surprised that the Metropolitan Police alone has already received 27 referrals of this type this year - or three a month. We are pleased that the Metropolitan Police has undertaken such great work in this area, but we are convinced that this form of abuse is hidden, and that the statutory agencies across the UK are facing similar situations."

related articles
Extreme and violent \'exorcism\' practices lead to record number of ritual child abuse cases
Extreme and violent 'exorcism' practices lead to record number of ritual child abuse cases

Extreme and violent 'exorcism' practices lead to record number of ritual child abuse cases

Morgan Freeman tragedy: Exorcism link to \'senseless\' death of star\'s granddaughter
Morgan Freeman tragedy: Exorcism link to 'senseless' death of star's granddaughter

Morgan Freeman tragedy: Exorcism link to 'senseless' death of star's granddaughter

Archaeologists discover Jewish victims of Portuguese Inquisition
Archaeologists discover Jewish victims of Portuguese Inquisition

Archaeologists discover Jewish victims of Portuguese Inquisition

South African teacher murdered for denying witchcraft will be made a Saint
South African teacher murdered for denying witchcraft will be made a Saint

South African teacher murdered for denying witchcraft will be made a Saint

News
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”

Bangor celebrates 1,500 years by honouring cathedral
Bangor celebrates 1,500 years by honouring cathedral

Bangor Cathedral's central role in the city's 1,500 year history will be formally recognised