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Recent revelations from UK experts suggest a concerning rise in reports of organised ritual abuse, often described as “satanic,” which appears to be partly driven by the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for therapeutic purposes. Survivors are increasingly turning to these digital platforms to explore their experiences, leading to a notable uptick in reports of abuse encompassing sexual violence, neglect, and ritualistic practices.
The Dark Side of Human Exploitation
Organised ritual abuse is a deeply troubling issue that remains largely underreported in the UK. This form of abuse often includes horrifying elements of sexual violence and neglect, sometimes drawing inspiration from satanic, fascist, or esoteric religious beliefs. Perpetrators can be found across various backgrounds, including abusive families, human traffickers, online gangs, and paedophile networks.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there is currently no specific legal charge that fully encapsulates the horrors of organised ritual abuse. Since 1982, only 14 criminal cases in the UK have acknowledged the presence of ritualistic practices linked to sexual abuse. However, Dr Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist, asserts that these convictions represent merely the “tip of the iceberg.”
Rising Awareness and Reporting
Experts are now taking proactive measures to address this alarming trend. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has established a specialist working group aimed at providing training for police forces across the country. Gabrielle Shaw, CEO of the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (Napac), notes a “sustained rise” in reports of ritual abuse over the past 18 months, with many individuals stating that they were encouraged to seek help after interacting with AI tools like ChatGPT.
Shaw remarked, “Over the last six months to a year, we’re getting people contacting the Napac support line saying: ‘I was referred to you by ChatGPT’. People are using AI as a form of therapy and exploration. While there are mixed feelings about this, any route that leads to support is a positive development.”
Historically, spikes in calls to support services have coincided with dates of supernatural or religious significance. However, Shaw emphasises that the current increase is not merely a temporary surge but rather a consistent trend. She further elaborated on the nature of the abuse, indicating that it can often be “intergenerational” and that while male perpetrators dominate, female relatives such as grandmothers and aunts have also been implicated.
Addressing the Justice Gap
The NPCC, alongside Napac and the Hydrant policing programme—which provides nationwide support for child protection—commissioned a review from Dr Hanson last year. This month, they launched a briefing on “Witchcraft, Spirit Possession, and Ritual Abuse” (WSPRA) for professionals in the field.
Richard Fewkes, director of the Hydrant Programme, pointed out that the fantastical nature of ritualistic elements often leads to a significant gap in justice. He noted, “We need to improve right the way across the system in dealing with it – it’s out there, it does exist, and it’s not actually being reported to the police… we’ve known about this for many, many years.”
Dr Hanson’s research highlights that victims often live in “regimes of cruelty,” with the truth frequently obscured by a climate of disbelief on one side and conspiracy theories on the other. She clarified that such abuse is not confined to specific cultures, noting that it often occurs within white British families, challenging common stereotypes.
Why it Matters
The rise in reported cases of organised ritual abuse, particularly in connection with the use of AI tools, underscores a critical need for better awareness, training, and support systems for survivors. As more individuals find their voices and seek help, it is essential that society and law enforcement adapt to these emerging realities. Addressing this issue not only aids in the healing of survivors but also serves as a vital step towards dismantling the networks of exploitation that thrive in silence.
