Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases
© Sylvia Gillotte, attorney
Ocassionally, a person writes an article that is outstanding, clear, and definitive. Ms. Gillotte has done this in this article, and her work shows the effects of ritual trauma on small children, and explains why it is often difficult for them to disclose their abuse. Because the formattting here at Suite 101 limits article lengths, I am publishing this in three parts, so that it may be presented in its entirety. If you work with ritual abuse survivors, if you are a social worker, and law enforcement officer, or a caseworker, please read this and share it with your coworkers. This is invaluable information for all. svali
Part OneFORENSIC CONSIDERATIONS IN RITUAL TRAUMA CASES
ABSTRACT:
Cases involving child sexual abuse, as well as other types of abuse, sometimes involve allegations that are unusually bizarre, or even incredible in nature. Such cases may actually be indicative of a far more complex and sinister form of abuse referred to as ritual trauma or ritual child abuse. While much is known about the dynamics of ritual trauma, very few professionals have the training necessary to effectively recognize and assess such cases. As a consequence, the bizarre nature of a child’s behaviors and/or disclosures often leads professionals to discount the child’s allegations of abuse altogether.
This material is designed to assist and educate virtually every level of professional in the system dealing with child abuse in recognizing ritual trauma and understanding its basic dynamics. In addition to providing a workable definition for ritual trauma and describing its common elements, professionals are provided a comprehensive checklist of signs and symptoms in children that will assist them in making cases assessments. The significance of these signs and symptoms to ritual trauma will also be discussed.
Beyond initial assessment, the investigation and prosecution of cases involving ritual trauma can be exceedingly difficult and most often requires specialized assistance. Inasmuch as expert assistance is not always readily affordable or available, this material provides specific recommendations and guidance to professionals in the major fields of specialty likely to encounter such cases, including prosecutors, attorneys, law enforcement officers, physicians, psychologists, therapists, social service workers, and Guardian ad Litem/CASA representatives. Readers are provided with a list of references, publications, and resources for further study and assistance.
OUTLINE
A. INTRODUCTION
II. UNDERSTANDING RITUAL TRAUMA
