Witchcraft, Spirit Possession and Ritualistic Abuse (WSPRA)

Today (Thursday 3 July) the National Police Chiefs’ Council in partnership with the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) is publishing Organised ritual abuse and its wider context: Degradation, deception and disavowal Ritualistic abuse – A research review and analysis by Dr Elly Hanson. 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. It also looks at the discourse of disbelief and conspiracy fictions which have kept it hidden for so long.

Humans have the potential to treat one another with extreme cruelty and this report deals with behaviour of this worst kind. To identify and surface the nature of ritual abuse and the abuses surrounding it, Dr Hanson draws extensively on primary research – this then providing the basis for a set of recommendations that lay out a whole system approach necessary to respond rightfully to this most horrific of crimes.

“I think Satan gets brought in because he’s very handy for terrifying small children”

Survivor of ritualistic abuse

Read the full report and operational briefing

Please do be aware that both documents contain descriptions of ritualised child sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing. As always, prioritise your wellbeing. Feel free to skip sections, take breaks or choose not to continue reading.

Download the full report Download the Operational Briefing Download the Partnership Learning Review

“This kind of abhorrent offending does not exist in boxes where neat labels can be applied. It crosses geographical, demographic and age barriers. All children matter and we must acknowledge the pain, trauma and long lasting-lasting impact of abuse experienced by too many children and young people."

Deputy Chief Constable Becky Riggs

NPCC Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation

Help and support

For help and support organisations visit: https://www.whenyouareready.co.uk/advice-and-support/