4.2: Ritualistic Abuse

Ritualistic Abuse

Hollywood and the cultural media have made movies and shows featuring a ritualistic sacrifice of a young virgin child to the gods, usually by throwing the child into a volcano. Although this may not occur frequently in our country, there are occasional instances where children are ritualistically abused. This may occur in cults, gangs, or other misguided groups who ritualistically impart harm on children.

Ritual-Abuse torture is perpetrated against children of all ages. If victimized children are not identified and rescued, they may become captive, enslaved adult victims. This abuse occurs in houses, warehouses, inside or outside, and in any location that is safe for the perpetrators. This abuse may be masked by referring to it as “ceremonies” or “rituals”, and by starting when the victim is an infant so they don’t know anything different. Victims may grow to feel ashamed, guilty or confused and may show behaviors similar to those of other abuse victims.

Although this abuse typically can be classified as sexual or physical abuse, the emotional and psychological aspects often last a lifetime for the children. It is imperative that these children receive the psychological services and support needed to overcome such horrific maltreatment.