Forensic Considerations in Ritual Trauma Cases (Part 3)

such cases, it is imperative to request that the child’s testimony be videotaped and taken outside the presence of his or her perpetrator(s). Careful attention should be paid to subtle changes in the child’s behavior which appear to be related to the manner in which cross-examination is being conducted. Whenever it appears necessary, a recess should be requested to ensure that the child has not been unduly influenced or manipulated.

B. PHYSICIANS/DENTISTS

All children who have been ritually traumatized should be medically examined by a knowledgeable and competent physician. Since very few medical doctors have much experience in working with victims of ritual trauma, it is important that any physician being asked to assist on a case be provided with detailed information regarding the child’s allegations. A qualified professional can provide the physician with additional input regarding the nature of any medical evidence being sought, depending upon information gleaned from the child’s disclosures.

It is highly recommended that a physician who is specially trained in conducting sexual abuse examinations in children be used to obtain evidence related to the child’s sexual molestation. The use of a colposcope is likewise recommended so that minute fissures that may be invisible to the naked eye can be seen and photographically documented. Such an exam should ideally take place as soon as the child has disclosed sexual abuse - or even prior to disclosure if the child is exhibiting any signs of ritual trauma or a dissociative disorder.

Medical examination of the child’s physical body should be undertaken with great patience and care. Victims of ritual trauma can become either passive or unnaturally agitated by medical procedures or the mere presence of various medical personnel. Any signs that the child is dissociating during the process should be noted in writing, as should the child’s behavioral response and any related statements.

The physician should look for evidence of bruising, tatoos, cuts, burns, etc., on the child’s body. Careful attention should be paid to hard-to-see areas such as the scalp, spine, ears, nipples, genitals, creases, and other crevices in the body (e.g., does there appear to be dried blood under the child’s fingernail). Any abnormalities should be noted on the chart and compared with other medical records available for the child. When appropriate, photographs should be taken to document peculiar findings.

Frequent use of drugs by cults can create any number of problems in children to which a physician should be extremely sensitive.

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