NCJ Number
181704
Journal
American Jails Volume: 13 Issue: 6 Dated: January/February 2000 Pages: 28-40
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article presents some of the preliminary findings from Project GANGMILL, a large-scale study of offenders and gang members, regarding survey questions on Satanic cult behavior.
Abstract
Only a small aspect of the study examined the issue of Satanic/Occult dabbling. The survey, which was conducted by the National Gang Crime Research Center, contained three questions that measured some aspect of Satanic cult practices. One question asked whether the respondent had "ever participated in any Satanic worship ceremonies"; the second question asked if the respondent had ever "dabbled in black magic or the occult"; and the third question asked if the respondent had "ever participated in a cone of power Satanic ceremony." Six percent (n=110) of the respondents reported that they had participated in a Satanic worship service. Only 10.1 percent reported having dabbled in black magic or the occult; only 2.9 percent reported that they had ever participated in a real Satanic cult ceremony. The survey found that Devil worshippers and dabblers in the occult were more likely to be involved in gangs, as were dabblers in black magic. Two-thirds of those involved in the more serious side of Devil worship and the occult have joined a gang. The Satanic/Occult dabbler had higher incestuous sexual relationships, a higher likelihood of forcing someone else to have sex with them, and higher likelihood of being a victim of forcible sex. Involvement in methamphetamine use and sales, as well as fighting and weapons carrying while in custody were also factors significantly associated with Satanic/Occult dabblers. 21 tables