Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases
B. Definition C. Common Elements D. Structure of Cults E. Differentiating Between Sexual and Physical Abuse & Ritual Trauma
III. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RITUAL TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
Problems Associated with Sexual Behaviors or Beliefs Problems Associated with Toileting and the Bathroom Problems Associated with the Supernatural, Rituals, Occult Symbols, Religion, etc. D. Problems Associated with Small Spaces; Being Confined or Tied Up E. Problems Associated with Death F. Problems Associated with the Doctor’s Office G. Problems Associated with Certain Colors H. Problems Associated with Eating Emotional Problems (Including Speech, Sleep, and Learning Problems) Problems Associated with Family Relationships Problems Associated with Play or Peer Relations Other Fears, References, Disclosures and Strange Beliefs or Behaviors Related Dissociative Symptoms N. Related Health Problems
IV. INCIDENCE AND FREQUENCY
F. THE “HOW” AND “WHY” OF RITUAL TRAUMA
A. Significance of the Psychological Component B. Techniques and Methodology used by Perpetrators C. Impact of Abuse on Disclosure, Assessment, Investigation & Prosecution 1) Physical Evidence 2) Medical Evidence 3) Psychological and Behavioral Evidence
G. “BEST PRACTICE” GUIDELINES FOR PRACTITIONERS
A. Prosecutors, Attorneys, and Law Enforcement B. Physicians/Dentists C. Psychologists, Therapists, and Mental Health Workers D. Social Workers E. CASA/Guardian ad Litem Representatives
H. CONCLUSION
I. SUGGESTED READING
A. All Disciplines (Generally helpful to all fields of endeavor) B. Legal and Law Enforcement C. Medical and Mental Health D. Day Care Related Cases
J. RESOURCES
A. Organizations B. Websites
X. CONTACT INFORMATION REGARDING THE AUTHOR
FORENSIC CONSIDERATIONS IN RITUAL TRAUMA CASES
“Cases of ritualistic abuse may come to light when a child is being evaluated or treated for sexual abuse. Unfortunately, investigators and therapists, lacking knowledge of the clinical indicators of cult-based ritualistic abuse, often fail to recognize that the sexual abuse being described has occurred within the context of satanic cult worship.”
- Susan J. Kelley, R.N., Ph.D.
I. INTRODUCTION
Ritual trauma is a highly sadistic form of abuse that is perpetrated upon individuals of all ages, but which most commonly originates in infancy and early childhood in an intrafamilial and intergenerational setting. It is a unique form of child abuse, where children are sexually exploited and systematically traumatized in a deliberate effort to induce dissociative mental states for purposes of indoctrination and programming. As a sub-category of ritual crime, it often includes the use of symbols and other paraphernalia designed to have specific psychological impact on its victims.
The dynamics of ritual trauma are significantly different from those of other forms of child abuse. Ritual trauma is neither commonly understood, nor easily recognized, and usually requires specialized training and handling in order to be successfully assessed, investigated, and prosecuted. Due to the nature of the abuse and the manner in which it is perpetrated, supportive medical and physical evidence is
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