Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 3)

who have been ritually traumatized continue to suffer throughout their lives from a variety of physical, emotional, psychological, and relationship problems. Even worse, they are more likely to become perpetrators than other victims of abuse.

While child protection, treatment, and recovery efforts in cases involving ritual trauma require extraordinary resources from a system which is under-funded and overloaded, it is important to understand that the problem is one of “pay now or pay later.” Limited resources should never be a reason for failing to pursue appropriate action in a ritual trauma case. Victims of ritual trauma are the most brutalized members of our society who, if returned to an abusive environment, may become the next wave of brutalizers. This is particularly true of young boys whose cult abuse appears to generate more anti-social and criminal behavior in adulthood.

In many cases, it may be impossible to identify a qualified therapist or medical doctor within reasonable driving distance of the child. In such instances, it is recommended that the agency contract with an out-of-town specialist who can provide phone consultation to the child’s treatment professionals. Such a specialist can provide educational reading and resource information which may be very helpful in augmenting the child’s level of service. Furthermore, the specialist can serve as an on-going guide to assist throughout the process, and provide testimonial support in court proceedings related to the child’s abuse and trauma.

Individual caseworkers who have difficulty receiving the support of their agency should remind directors and supervisors of state statutory obligations and liability considerations. Since children who are ritually traumatized often fall into special needs or high risk intervention categories that qualify them for additional state and federal dollars, it is the duty of the agency to do everything in its power to ensure that the child is receiving the maximum treatment and benefits available. This would include any special educational needs that might result from the child’s trauma and dissociation.

Treatment needs of the alleged perpetrator and/or family members will also be substantial and should be addressed as comprehensively as possible. Unfortunately, familial perpetrators are unlikely to ever admit having been involved with anything as heinous as ritual trauma. In fact, if they themselves are suffering from DID, they may not be consciously aware of their involvement in the child’s abuse. This problem even arises in cases involving protective mothers who may have a strong “sense” that their children are being brutalized,

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