The UK has seen a rise in reports of organised ritual abuse, with experts attributing this increase to the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for therapy, as reported by The Guardian. This form of abuse, which includes sexual violence, neglect, and ritualistic elements, is often under-reported and can be difficult to prosecute due to its complex and secretive nature.
According to police, there have been 14 UK criminal cases since 1982 in which ritualistic practices in sexual abuse were acknowledged. However, research by clinical psychologist Dr Elly Hanson suggests that these convictions represent only the "tip of the iceberg". The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has set up a specialist working group to address this issue and is rolling out training for police forces nationwide.
Gabrielle Shaw, the CEO of the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (Napac), has noted a "sustained rise" in reports of ritual abuse over the last 18 months, with an increasing number of people saying they had been led to report it by AI. Shaw stated that people are using AI, such as ChatGPT, as a form of therapy and exploration, which has led to a greater number of survivors seeking support.
Understanding Organised Ritual Abuse
Organised ritual abuse, also known as "witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse" (WSPRA), is a form of abuse that involves ritualistic elements, often inspired by satanism, fascism, or esoteric religious beliefs. Perpetrators can include abusive families and networks, human traffickers, online gangs, and paedophile rings. The abuse can be intergenerational in nature, with survivors naming family members, including grandmothers and aunts, as perpetrators.
Richard Fewkes, the director of the Hydrant Programme, which supports forces nationwide with child protection, noted that the fact ritual elements sounded "fantastical" had contributed to the justice gap. He emphasized the need to improve the system in dealing with organised ritual abuse, which is often not reported to police.
The Role of AI in Reporting Abuse
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT has been instrumental in helping survivors of organised ritual abuse seek support. Shaw noted that people are using AI as a form of therapy and exploration, which has led to a greater number of survivors seeking support. However, there are mixed feelings about the use of AI in this context, with some experts expressing concerns about the potential risks and limitations of relying on AI for therapy.
Dr Elly Hanson, who conducted research on organised ritual abuse, noted that victims are growing up in "regimes of cruelty", but the truth is "getting lost between" a "discourse of disbelief" on one hand, and "conspiracy fictions" on the other. She emphasized that organised ritual abuse is not limited to specific cultures or communities, but can occur within white British, often privileged families, and does not conform to any stereotypes about where it might occur.
Addressing the Justice Gap
The NPCC, Napac, and the Hydrant policing programme have commissioned a review and launched a WSPRA briefing for professionals to address the issue of organised ritual abuse. The briefing aims to improve the understanding and response to organised ritual abuse, and to provide support to survivors. Shaw noted that the fact that people are using AI to report abuse is a positive development, as it indicates that survivors are seeking support and are willing to come forward.
The rise in reports of organised ritual abuse highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to this complex issue. As experts continue to work together to address the justice gap, it is essential to recognize the importance of AI tools like ChatGPT in helping survivors seek support and to provide a safe and supportive environment for them to share their experiences.
