Safeguarding children from abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession
Beliefs in “possession” and “witchcraft” are widespread in the UK and around the world. The children at risk of abuse or neglect as a result of these beliefs come from a variety of backgrounds including African, South Asian and European.
The national good practice guidance, Safeguarding children from abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession (2007), provides advice to practitioners and managers in all agencies. It is intended to help practitioners and their managers apply ‘Working Together’ to the particular needs of children who are abused or neglected because of a belief in spirit possession. The child protection processes detailed in the South West procedures and Working Together should be followed at all times
The guidance was published as a result of recommendations by the then Government, which commissioned a research report by Eleanor Stobart – Child abuse linked to accusations of possession and witchcraft (June 2006).
Further information can be found on the website of the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) website and in their guidance, Good practice for working with faith communities – spirit possession and abuse which provides information for practitioners seeking to address safeguarding issues within faith communities.
