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Child Abuse - Witchcraft and Spirit Possession

Child Abuse - Witchcraft and Spirit Possession. Local Authority Designated Officer/Training and Community Partnership Officer: Aqualma Murray Detective Sergeant: Vicky Washington Detective Constable: Ben Voss.

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Child Abuse - Witchcraft and Spirit Possession

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  1. Child Abuse - Witchcraft and Spirit Possession Local Authority Designated Officer/Training and Community Partnership Officer: Aqualma Murray Detective Sergeant: Vicky Washington Detective Constable: Ben Voss

  2. A child is likely to suffer a degree of neglect and/or physical, sexual and emotional abuse as a direct result of the actions and beliefs of the adults and others who perceive them as possessed with evil

  3. 2000 Anna/Victoria Climbié ‘You could beat her and she would not cry……she could take the beatings and the pain like anything.’ Victoria’s Carer

  4. 2001 Adam/IkpoMwosa The headless, limbless body of a boy aged between five and six was found floating in the river Thames

  5. 2008 KhyraIshaq ‘Khyra dropped down as she walked after a spirit got into her body, it was evil and it was trying to control her body because Khyra had accepted it as a friend’ Sibling

  6. CASE STUDY Child B 2003 "She pulled out a little knife and she did little marks on me. I was bleeding. The three of them surrounded me and one kicked me, one slapped me and one pushed me. I asked myself, what have I done?"

  7. Stab Wound Bruises 43 Injuries All Historical? Scarring

  8. Case Study - Child ‘B’ Significant Findings Diary entry 16 Nov 2003 in Lingala: ‘At ‘church’ a prophecy was given that Child B has witchcraft.’ DNA showed that none of defendants were the mother although 3 were maternal relations. Expert witness in 'witchcraft' provides evidence Churches that Child B attended were identified but no evidence to prosecute.

  9. Case Study - Child ‘B’ Outcomes TRIAL June 2005 3 defendants guilty of Child Cruelty 2 main defendants received maximum sentence (10yrs) National Guidelines published in consultation with Project Violet Partnership Team formed

  10. Common Features Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Neglect

  11. Physical Abuse • Beating, Burning, Cutting, Stabbing, Strangulation. • Drowning • Application of chilli or similar to eyes or genitals • Feeding non-edible substances/Starvation • Amputation

  12. Emotional Abuse? • Locked away from others • Child being prayed over for long periods • Exorcism or Deliverance • Sleep deprivation • Threat of Abandonment • Separated from family • Persuading child they are possessed

  13. Sexual Abuse • A child labelled as evil/possessed is often isolated and then vulnerable to sexual abuse/sexual exploitation • Rituals may include sexual acts

  14. Neglect • Failure to obtain appropriate medical care • Failure to ensure appropriate schooling/education • Failure to provide a suitable home environment • Failure to meet the child’s hygiene needs

  15. How become evil/possessed? • Infected by others who are evil • Infected by eating contaminated food • Become possessed by evil spirits that have flow round them • By displaying negative behaviour they attract evil • A perceived difference to their family or community

  16. Difference to Family/Community • Physical disability • Autism • Mental Health • Speech Impediment • Bed wetting • Rebelliousness

  17. Who provides the belief ? • Indigenous Healer • Faith Healer • Privately Contracted Spiritualist • Church pastor

  18. Terminology • Kindoki • Ndoki • Evil Eye • Dijinns • Voodoo • Obeah

  19. Indicators • Injuries • Change in child’s behaviour • Change in child’s appearance • Childs carers show a lack of affection, bond or interest • Language used by child in disclosures i.e devil beaten out of them

  20. Strands of Investigation • Immediate Family • School – Childs attendance and behaviour • Health – Injuries and Illnesses • Police – Victim, Informant or suspect. • Neighbours – unusual behaviour or patterns • Place of Worship and denomination • Immigration – movements of the child • Interpreter? Independent and outside family network • Other family members?

  21. AIMS • Develop prevention opportunities for children abused through a belief in spirit possession. • Raise awareness within practicing communities and statutory agencies. • Develop intelligence opportunities

  22. Remember This is not about persecuting people's beliefs, but about safeguarding children

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