Child abuse linked with a belief in spirit possession refers to the abuse of children and young people who are believed to be taken over or possessed, by an evil spirit.   

The Laming Inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie was widely acknowledged as the catalyst that prompted the uncovering of this little recognised problem.  Victoria was subjected to extreme violence and cruelty by her great-aunt and boyfriend who believed she was possessed by evil spirits.  Since that time further cases have been widely reported, including the conviction of 3 adults in 2005 for extreme cruelty towards a child, known as Child B.   

In 2007, HM Government published ‘Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession’ to help practitioners apply ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ to the particular needs of children who may have suffered abuse or neglect due to such beliefs.  The key considerations in this guidance were based on government commissioned research undertaken by Eleanor Stobart ‘Child Abuse Linked to Accusations of Possession and Witchcraft’  (June 2006).   

CCPAS has prepared a detailed document ‘Good practice for working with faith communities and places of worship – spirit possession and abuse’ which can be downloaded providing more detailed information, examples of good practice for practitioners seeking to address safeguarding issues within faith communities and links to further information. 

Download document by clicking the Word icon or PDF icon. .

Links to other relevant agencies and organisations referred to in the CCPAS good practice document.

AFRUCA

www.afruca.org

Met. Police - Project Violet:

www.met.police.uk

Department for Education

http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/safeguarding

NSPCC

www.nspcc.org.uk

London Safeguarding Children Board

http://www.londonscb.gov.uk/community_partnership_project/