Child Abuse linked to Faith or Belief

While the number of confirmed cases of child abuse linked to accusations of 'possession' or 'witchcraft' remains relatively low, the impact on affected children can be severe and long-lasting. Such abuse can cause significant harm to a child's physical and mental health, impair cognitive development, hinder the formation of healthy relationships and damage self-esteem. It is likely that a proportion of this type of abuse remains unreported. This form of abuse typically arises when a parent or carer perceives a child as being 'different' and attributes this difference to spirit possession or witchcraft and subsequently attempts to exorcise the child. Children may be seen as 'different' for a range of reasons including behaviours such as disobedience or assertiveness, as well as issues like bedwetting, nightmares, illness, or disability. In many cases, there is a weak or disrupted attachment between the child and their parent or carer.

There are several social factors that increase a child's vulnerability to accusations of 'possession' or 'witchcraft'. These may include high levels of family stress, breakdown in relationships, or significant changes in family structure- such as separation, divorce, bereavement, or the arrival of a new caregiver or partner.

Attempts to 'exorcise' a child can involve extreme forms of physical and emotional abuse such as severe beatings, burning, starvation, cutting or stabbing and prolonged isolation. These acts typically take place within the child's home environment.

Any siblings or other children in the household may be well cared for with all their needs met by the parents and carers. However, they may have been influenced by the adults to view one child as 'different' and may have been encouraged or coerced into taking part in the adults' actions toward that child.

Research indicates that concerns related to accusations of possession or witchcraft have involved children aged 2 to 14, affecting both boys and girls. These cases are most commonly reported through schools or non-governmental organisations. Referrals typically occur when the situation has escalated and become evident beyond the immediate family environment.

Note: This means that the child may have been subjected to serious harm for a period already.

The initial concerns referred in these cases have typically included:

• Neglect, such as children not being adequately fed - sometimes being deliberately 'fasted', or lacking proper clothing and hygiene, often left to care for themselves particularly when compared to other children in the household;
• The primary carer frequently is not the biological parent, and the family structure may be complex;
• Children often present as distressed, withdrawn or emotionally detached;
• The child may be scapegoated for negative changes in family circumstances or perceived failure;
• Among siblings or children in the household, the child may be relatively powerless in relation to parents or carers, often lacking a defined or essential role within the family;
• The child may be perceived as violating family norms due to physical differences such as illness or disability, or, in some cases, due to suspicions of parental infidelity within the family.

All agencies should remain vigilant to the indicators outlined above and be equipped to identify children at risk of abuse linked to faith and belief, intervening early to prevent harm. While many signs of this form of abuse overlap with other types of child maltreatment, children subjected to abuse intended to remove demons or 'possessions' often exhibit distinct significant physical and behavioural indicators, including: 

• Clothing: Some believe that demons are associated with fire leading to practices aimed at 'cooling' the child. As a result, children may be found wearing minimal clothing regardless of environmental conditions;
• Scarring:  Injuries often include significant scars or cuts, frequently located on the torso or back to avoid visibility. One such practice of 'bloodletting' or Hijamas involves incisions on the head or back and may be subtle or difficult to detect;
• Restraint Markings: Children subjected to bloodletting or Hijamas often do not consent to the procedure and may be restrained, resulting in marks or bruising around the neck, wrists, and ankles. Numbing agents such as creams or lotions may sometimes be applied prior to the abuse;
• Water or 'Magical' Drinks: Parents or carers may give children small bottles of water or other drinks as part of 'healing' rituals. However, the contents are often unverified, and can include harmful substances such as saltwater mixture, cannabis, GHB and other illicit drugs, intended to sedate or control the child;
• Ruqyah: This is a prayer from the Qur'an which itself does not mention demons or possession,  however, individuals performing Ruqyah may claim to diagnose possession during the ritual. Children subjected to this may demonstrate explicit knowledge of, or refer to this practice.

When there are concerns about abuse linked to witchcraft and spirit possession land there are significant risks to the welfare and safety of the child or young person, a referral to Children's Social Care should be made and the Referrals Procedure must be followed. The same protocol applies where concerns relate to parental or carer beliefs that impact medical interventions or health treatment.

An assessment should seek to comprehensively understand the background and context of the beliefs to establish the facts of what is occurring with the child. Where appropriate, Independent advisors with relevant cultural or faith expertise should be engaged to provide guidance.

The assessment process may involve consultation with key community figures, particularly when working with immigrant families or distinct faith groups. Practitioners should identify if the family and child belong to a specific faith community and establish:

• The identity and contact details of the faith leader and faith community to which the family and child belong;
• The full address of the premises where worship or religious meetings are held;
• Further insight into the community's beliefs including whether they are affiliated with organisations in the UK or internationally. Public sources, such as organisational websites, can provide valuable information-particularly statements of faith, leadership structures, and doctrinal positions.

Given the potential safeguarding concerns, a comprehensive health assessment of the child should be undertaken. This should establish the child's overall health, medical history and current physical and emotional condition.

Whilst specific beliefs, practices, terminology or forms of abuse may exist, the underlying cause of abuse linked to faith or belief are often similar to those found in other contexts where children are at risk. These causes can include family stress, deprivation, domestic abuse, substance abuse and mental health challenges. Children who are perceived as different in some way, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty, illness or exceptional ability may also be more vulnerable to this form of abuse.

Any indication that a parent or carer may be planning to take a child out of the country must be treated with urgency. Legal advice must be sought immediately to explore options for preventing the child's removal, particularly where there are concerns about abuse linked to faith or belief. The child must be seen promptly and spoken to alone. Practitioners must also assess the child's sleeping and living arrangements to identify any safeguarding concerns.

When assessing risk to the child, the welfare of siblings and other children in the household must also be considered as they may have been exposed to, witnessed or been forced to participate in abusive or harmful practices.

Concerns may also arise in relation toa place of worship particularly where:

• There is lack of prioritisation of children's safety and leaders show reluctance or resistance to implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures;
• Harmful assumptions are made, such as believing that members of the community are unlikely to abuse children or that expressions of repentance negate continued risk from a previously abusive individual;
• The rights and welfare of children are denied or minimised, or where children are demonised;
• There is active discouragement of engagement with statutory agencies and mistrust of secular authorities is promoted;
• Specific practices are carried out which constitute abuse or place children at significant risk of harm.

Good Practice Guidance

National Action Plan to Tackle Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief (2012) - information for those who work with children on a plan to help prevent child abuse arising from religion or superstition.

Useful Websites

Child abuse linked to faith or belief – Met Police

What is Child Abuse linked to Faith or Belief? - National FGM Centre

Safeguarding in faith communities – NPSCC

What is Witchcraft Abuse? - AFRUCA working in the UK BME communities to protect and safeguard children from abuse and harm.

Child protection in religious organisations and settings - Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

Ritualistic abuse | The Hydrant Programme - The report unpacks the nature of organised ritual abuse, its motives and dynamics, the harm it causes and the barriers survivors face in speaking out.