NCJ Number
145095
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 1-14
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The controversial issue of ritualistic child abuse is explored.
Abstract
There is a wide divergence of professional opinion on the subject. The author displays some of the various ways that the terms "ritualistic child abuse" and "cult ritualistic child abuse" have been applied and stresses that consistent definitions are needed to develop a greater understanding of these phenomena and how to prevent them; to avoid misdiagnosing the problem or misdirecting intervention efforts; and to develop appropriate treatment strategies for the child victims and for the offenders. He proposes such definitions and explains why they would be beneficial. He draws a distinction between abusive and nonabusive cults and discusses such topics as planning for a comprehensive investigation, developing a clinical syndrome for forensic evaluation, and evaluating accounts of adults who claim to have experienced cult ritualistic child abuse as children. Those in the child protection field may find truth somewhere between the two extreme points of view--that cult child abuse is widespread, and that all allegations are untrue. 27 references