Agenda (Provisional) Witchcraft Accusation and Harmful Practices Conference

What the data tells us

What does the data tell us about witchcraft accusation and harmful practices? This session pairs NAPAC’s unrivalled survivor-led evidence with global research on sorcery accusation related violence and professional response, offering a powerful look at the patterns, risks and safeguarding implications emerging both in the UK and internationally.

Facilitator - Gabrielle Shaw (NAPAC)

WSPRA in context
What do we understand by the terms ‘witchcraft accusation’, ‘spirit possession’ and ‘ritual attack’? What are the drivers of accusations and violence? Who is vulnerable to accusations and witchcraft-related harmful practices, and why?  This panel examines the social, economic, religious, and psychological factors that can contribute to harmful practices. It will consider who is most vulnerable, and why certain groups are disproportionately at risk.

Facilitator – Dr Keith Silika (Salford University)

Speakers - Professor Charlotte Baker (Lancaster University), Professor Simon Dein (Goldsmiths, University of London)

Policing WSPRA: current cases and operational learning

Recent UK cases show with stark clarity that WSPRA is not theoretical, but a live operational and safeguarding challenge. This session combines a brief overview of new national resources with frontline insight from senior police investigators, giving delegates a rare opportunity to hear directly about how these cases are presenting, being investigated and responded to in practice

Facilitator - Richard Fewkes (NPCC Hydrant)

Speakers – Peter Hornby (NPCC Hydrant), Lesley-Ann McGee (Police Scotland)

Coffee

Interactive Scenarios: recognising WSPRA in practice

This highly interactive session invites delegates to work through realistic scenarios drawn from the themes of the conference, using live polling, discussion and facilitated reflection to explore how WSPRA may present in practice. It is designed to sharpen professional curiosity, test judgement and build confidence in recognising warning signs and responding well across different sectors.

Facilitator – Gabrielle Shaw (NAPAC)

Optional evening tour of Lancaster Castle

International Perspectives 

Bringing together perspectives from Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Papua New Guinea, this panel examines the social, cultural, economic and political dynamics that can drive accusations and witchcraft-related violence in different contexts internationally. The speakers explore why particular individuals or groups are disproportionately targeted, how local beliefs and broader structural pressures interact, and what these cases reveal about the persistence of witchcraft-related harmful practices.

Facilitator - Professor Charlotte Baker (Lancaster University)
Speakers - Professor Miranda Forsyth (ANU), Dr Jobair Alam, (Staffordshire University), Dr Keith Silika (Salford University)

Presentation of The Amber Project

The Amber Project is designed to assist professionals to understand, identify, report and respond effectively where abuse linked to faith and belief, particularly accusations of witchcraft and spirit possession are suspected. This session focuses on understanding the early signs of abuse, risk, multi-agency responses and a case study.

Facilitator - Kate Bridger (WSPRA)
Speakers - Inspector Allen Davis (Met Police), Rohma Ullah (Barnardos), Dr Leethen Bartholomew

Keynote speaker – Professor Michael Salter

Round table discussion: Implications for Practice
This closing round table brings together keynote speakers and contributors to reflect on the practical implications of the conference as a whole. Drawing together evidence, operational learning and survivor-centred insight, it will explore what needs to change in practice, policy and partnership working if responses to WSPRA and related harms are to become stronger and more consistent.

Facilitator – Richard Fewkes (NPCC Hydrant)

Coffee and Networking