Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 2)

(This is part two of this article, and will be continued in part three)Part Two of Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma III. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RITUAL TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

There are numerous behavioral and psychological indicators in children that are consistent with ritual trauma. For professionals assessing cases of child sexual abuse, as well as other cases of abuse, these indicators should be considered to be “red flags” warranting expert assistance and special handling. Sexual abuse is a universal component of ritual trauma. Therefore, a child who has been ritually traumatized may have any number of the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms that might ordinarily be observed in cases involving sexual abuse. However, the manner in which sexual and other abuse is perpetrated on children who are victims of ritual child abuse usually leads to additional symptoms and disclosures which are relatively unique to ritual trauma.

Dr. Catherine Gould is a member of the Ritual Abuse Task Force, and is one of the most highly respected and recognized clinicians treating ritual child abuse victims in this country. She has compiled a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of ritualistic abuse in children that many professionals have found extremely useful. A slightly modified version of this list is provided below. It is broken down into thematic categories, the significance of which will be further discussed in Sections V and VI of this material:

A. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OR BELIEFS

 Child masturbates compulsively, and attempts to insert objects into the vagina or rectum  Child behaves in a highly seductive or sexually provocative manner, particularly when being photographed or videotaped  Child refers to sexual activity between other children, or between him/herself and another child, and/or adults  Child states that sharp objects were inserted into his/her private parts, including pins, needles, rods, screwdrivers, wands, sticks, knives, etc., or relates that he/she was asked or forced to stick sharp objects into someone else  Child states that he or she witnessed sexual acts between adults; between adults and children; between adults or children and animals, etc.  On professional examination, child relaxes rather than tenses rectum when touched; or there is evidence of a relaxed anal sphincter, enlargement of the vaginal opening; or anal/rectal or vaginal laceration or scarring; or sore penis  Child exhibits chronic vaginitis, constipation, and/or painful urination or defecation  Child exhibits outbreaks of oral and genital herpes; or on exam, is diagnosed with an STD or HIV/AIDS

For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Sylvia Gillotte, attorney's Ritual Abuse topic, please visit the Discussions page.