Child abuse linked to belief in 'spirit possession'.

 The belief in 'possession' and 'witchcraft' is relatively widespread. It is not confined to particular countries, cultures or religions, nor is it confined to new immigrant communities in this country.

The number of identified cases of child abuse linked to accusations of 'possession' are small, but the nature of the child abuse can be particularly disturbing and the children involved can suffer damage to their physical and mental health, capacity to learn, ability to form relationships and self- esteem.

There are a number of common factors which put a child at risk of harm, including rationalising misfortune by attributing it to spiritual forces and when a carer views a child as being 'different', attributes this difference to the child being 'possessed' or involved in 'witchcraft', and attempts to exorcise him or her. A child could be viewed as 'different' for a variety of reasons such as: disobedience; independence; bedwetting; nightmares; illness; or disability. The attempts to 'exorcise' may involve severe beating, burning, starvation, cutting or stabbing, and/ or isolation, and usually occurs in the household where the child lives.

Agencies should look for these indicators, be able to identify children at risk of this type of abuse and intervene to prevent it. They should apply basic safeguarding children principles including: sharing information across agencies; being child- focused at all times; and keeping an open mind when talking to parents and carers. 

For further guidance please click on the link below.

Safeguarding children from abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession1.pdf

This information has been taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010.