Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief & FGM

Child abuse linked to faith or belief

There is a variety of definitions associated with abuse linked to faith or belief. The National Action Plan includes the following. The concept of belief in:

• witchcraft and spirit possession, demons or the devil acting through children or leading them astray (traditionally seen in some Christian beliefs)
• the evil eye or djinns (traditionally known in some Islamic faith contexts) and dakini (in the Hindu context)
• ritual or multi murders where the killing of children is believed to bring supernatural benefits or the use of their body parts is believed to produce
  potent magical remedies
• use of belief in magic or witchcraft to create fear in children to make them more compliant when they are being trafficked for domestic slavery or sexual
  exploitation

For further information see the National FGM Centre article on child abuse linked to faith or belief.

Video resources can also be found below:

• Branded a Witch – An animation on Mardoche’s Yembi’s childhood in the UK where he was accused of being a witch by his aunt and uncle
• Advice for professionals video – Mardoche Yembi gives advice to professionals working with a child who has been accused of witchcraft or possession.  We recommend you watch the above video first to see Mardoche’s story.

Additional resources including case examples and learning from serious case reviews are available on the National FGM Centre website.