Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 3)

disclosures include the use of such things as robes, hoods, masks, knives, candles, ritual paraphernalia, cages, “coffins,” secret rooms, tunnels, photographs, cameras, computers, books, ashes, bones, drugs, needles, blood, urine, feces, etc., then any search warrant should descriptively include these items. Since children can be mistaken about the nature of a particular item (e.g., a child might identify a wooden crate or other container as a “coffin”), it is better for a warrant to be worded in an over-inclusive, rather than under-inclusive manner. For example, the warrant should preferably state “…coffin or other box-like structure/container with lid, within which a child might fit.”

The scene of any alleged crime can provide a wealth of information. A child’s description of his or her surroundings at the time of the abuse can sometimes be confusing and is best understood by a very careful and methodical investigation of the actual scene and related environment. For example, a child might relate that the wall in a particular room was black, when in fact, it was simply draped with black material. It is often possible to deduce the nature of such a discrepancy by observing pinholes or other damage to the wall which indicates that draping may have been used. The next logical step would be to check the premises for a storage area or container that might contain fabric or other draping material.

Since use of body fluids and body parts are common in allegations of ritual trauma, it is important to decide whether or not to search the premises for either direct or trace evidence of such material. If determined to be useful or necessary, this material should be collected with the same level of technical precision and care as similar evidence obtained in homicide cases. Since most of this material will need to undergo extensive laboratory analysis, it is important to maintain and document an uncontaminated professional chain of custody.

All children who have disclosed ritual trauma should be medically and psychologically examined as soon as possible. The process which is recommended in more detail below (see “Medical” and “Mental Health”) is designed to document any physical or psychological evidence and/or damage to the child. It will also provide the victim with any therapeutic support necessary for healing, as well as help prepare the child for both in and out-of-court interviewing. Investigators and prosecutors should work closely with both medical and mental health professionals. When indicated by

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