NCJ Number
131158
Journal
Journal of Sex Research Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 131-138
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In the wake of recent realizations of the extent of child sexual abuse have come revelations of ritual and satanic abuse of children. Despite numerous corroborating reports from adult survivors and child victims, allegations of ritual abuse are often met with incredulity.
Abstract
Ritual abuse, carried out by multiple perpetrators of both sexes, often occurs with many victims present. This type of abuse often takes place in day care centers where children are in groups as well as in families or groups of families. The actual practices involved in ritual abuse are varied and challenge widely held societal norms. Researchers have begun to analyze patterns of ritual abuse. Once a therapist accepts the clinical material, he must deal with the client's symptoms which can involve sexual behavior and beliefs, toileting problems, the supernatural and religion, fear of small spaces, fear of death, fear of doctors, fear of certain colors, eating disorders, emotional problems, dysfunctional family and peer relationships, and other strange beliefs. Clinicians are also discovering a high rate of multiple personality disorder in victims of ritual abuse. 17 references