Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 3)

during the programming process, perpetrators may use very deceptive methods to name individual alter personalities in children that have been induced through trauma. For example, a part may be deliberately called “Sad,” “Scared,” “Grumpy,” “Brain,” “Bad-Devil,” or “Mean Momma.” As a result, when the child “switches” into one of these personalities and is then questioned about the change in his or her behavior, the conversation which ensues may resemble the following:

 Adult: “June, honey, what’s wrong? You were playing just fine with little Johnny and now you’re over here in the corner sucking your thumb!”

Child: “I’m Sad!” (Meaning: I’m not June)

Adult: “Why are you sad? Did little Johnny do something to make you sad?”

Child: “I don’t know!” (Meaning: I don’t know ‘why’ I am this person called ‘Sad’ – and anyway, who is little Johnny or what would he have done to make me come out in the open like this?)

(OR)

 Adult: “Bobby, are you all right? We heard you wake up screaming and ran down here to check on you!” (In response to nightmare or night terror)

Child: “I’m Scared, I’m Scared!”

(OR)

 Adult: “Judy, what made you hit your friend Susie like that?

Child: “Bad-Devil made me do it!” (Meaning: There is a separate part inside of me called “Bad-Devil” which I do not control and that “came out” and did this; rather than “ I don’t want to take responsibility for doing this”)

Since ritually abused children in treatment commonly make progressive disclosures regarding their victimization, it is imperative that therapists and other mental health professionals take copious notes documenting a child’s statements as verbatim as possible. Videotaping of sessions may be advisable, as long the court, custodial guardian, or agency has provided consent and camera equipment is placed in a location that does not interfere with therapy. Any statements, disclosures, and recorded interviews should be shared with both the county prosecutor and the attorney representing social services, as they may meet admissibility standards for evidence in court. It is never appropriate to assume that any given statement made by a child is “hearsay,” and therefore inadmissible in a legal proceeding involving the child. Furthermore, statements pertaining to the identity of perpetrators, other victims, or the location(s) where abuse may have occurred should be shared with law enforcement officials as early as possible.

Finally, it may be very beneficial to familiarize yourself with ritual holiday dates that are commonly observed by cults. (This

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