Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 3)

by a child’s disclosures, they should also request that toxicology and other specific tests be conducted on the child. Medical evidence supportive of the allegations should be photographically documented, and any statements made by the child throughout the process should be documented in writing.

While undercover surveillance may be difficult or impossible in most instances, electronic surveillance should be considered wherever possible. Inasmuch as many cults also engage in related criminal activity, there may be sufficient grounds to seek legal authority to tap a phone line or access other information. Child pornography is a stable source of income for many cults. Such material must either be physically transported for sale and distribution, or transmitted through electronic means such as a computer. Other alleged criminal activity should be similarly investigated. “Following the money” can be one of the most productive routes to take when investigating a ritual trauma case.

Law enforcement professionals should be aware of the fact that polygraph testing often has limited value in ritual trauma cases. Not only are organized perpetrators unlikely to provide “normal” reactive responses to certain questioning, the presence of DID or extreme dissociation may result in totally inaccurate readings and conclusions. In such cases, it is highly probable that the polygraph examiner is actually questioning and testing an “alter” or “personality” who has no knowledge or culpability concerning the act(s) under investigation. Consequently, the use of polygraph testing in such cases is discouraged.

Finally, since prosecutors have the ultimate task of proving these complex cases in court, they should spare no expense when it comes to the assistance of expert witnesses and consultants. This assistance should be requested at the earliest stages of an investigation, before inappropriate action is taken which might jeopardize the case. Qualified experts can not only help you to properly investigate and prepare for trial, they can be invaluable in educating judges and juries to the unique dynamics of ritual trauma. They can also testify as to whether or not it is necessary or advisable to institute protective measures when taking the child’s testimony in court.

Children who have had extensive cult involvement may demonstrate a degree of dissociative disorder that is problematic in court. When required to testify before their alleged perpetrator(s) or anyone else knowledgeable about their abuse and conditioning, these children can be “triggered” into silence instantaneously by the mere use of a hand-cue or other external and pre-programmed mechanism. In such

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