There are many forms of child abuse that the law and society have had to come to grips with in the last few decades. Reports of child sexual abuse and incest used to be kept secretive, but they have recently become relatively common. Even today, a significant number of such crimes are not reported to police. However, in the last number of years, there have been growing concerns over an abhorrent type of child abuse - "satanic, ritual or sadistic abuse." The reports of these kinds of activities have been growing in numbers.

Some stories and accusations are very bizarre and difficult to believe and accept. Many people simply reject them as children with vivid imaginations trying to get attention. But not everyone is so quick to judge. Many police forces and psychiatrists are taking these allegations seriously. The reports are frightening, and often very gruesome. If they are true, the victims need to be protected.

RELIGIONS

Satanism is a legitimate religion. In Canada, the Charter protects the right of freedom of religion. While many may find satanism to be an unusual choice for a religion, it is never the less a bona fide form of religious belief. Basically, those who subscribe to the religion worship Satan. Legitimate Satan worshippers who do not break any laws must be differentiated from those who take part in satanic ritual abuse. Other religions, like Wiccans, must also be distinguished from ritual abusers. (Wiccans call themselves "good witches.)"

WHAT IS RITUAL ABUSE?

"Satanic" ritual abuse indicates that the offenders subscribe to the Satan religion, when this may not be the case. A term that is becoming more common is "sadistic" ritual abuse as it does not include religion, but instead is a more descriptive term. There is really very little substantiated information about the existence of such organizations or about such cases of abuse. What is known comes from alleged victim accounts that have not been corroborated nor fully discredited. The following are definitions offered by some people who have worked in the field.

Ritual abuse - "repeated physical, emotional, mental and spiritual assaults combined with a systematic use of symbols, ceremonies and machinations designed and orchestrated to attain malevolent effects." (Lawrence Pazder, M.D. 1980)

Ritual child abuse - "the intentional physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological abuse by a person responsible for the child's welfare, when such abuse is repeated and/or stylized and is

typified by such other acts as cruelty to animals, or threats of harm to the child, other persons, and animals." (David Lloyd 1990; National Resource Centre on Child Sexual Abuse)

Cult ritual child abuse - "the intentional physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological abuse of a child by persons who are in a religious cult and are responsible for the child's welfare, when such abuse is repeated and/or stylized and is typified by such other acts as cruelty to animals, or threats of harm to the child, other persons, and animals, and is performed to reinforce the cult's religious cohesion." (David Lloyd 1990)

Group ritual child abuse - "The intentional physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological abuse of a child by a group of persons responsible for the child's welfare, when such abuse is repeated and/or stylized and is typified by such other acts as cruelty to animals, or threats of harm to the child, other persons, and animals, and is performed to reinforce the group's cohesion." (David Lloyd, 1990)

Ritualistic abuse - "abuse that occurs in the context linked to some symbols or group activities that have a religious, magical or supernatural connotation, and where the invocation of these symbols or activities are repeated over time and used to frighten and intimidate the children." (Finkelhor and Wlliams, 1988)

Ritualistic abuse - "the repetitive and systematic sexual, physical and psychological abuse of children by adults as part of cult or satanic worship." (Kelly, 1988)

Satanic ritual abuse - "psychological, sexual and/or physical assault committed by two or more people whose primary motive is to fulfill a prescribed ritual involving worship of the Christian devil." (Lanning, Kenneth, FBI)

For the purposes of this paper, the broad term of ritual abuse will be used as it does not limit itself to only satanic ritual abuse. And ritual abuse will be defined here as a form of child abuse that includes the use of rituals to inflict emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse upon children. The abuse is usually repeated over an extended period of time.

The concern should be less focussed on what to call these acts and more concerned with the children. We need to look less at the bizarre means by which these people practice their abuse, and more at the abuse itself and the effect it has on its victim. It is another serious form of child abuse.

DIFFICULTIES WITH INFORMATION

The major problem that authorities and experts have with defining "ritual abuse" is that there is very little verifiable information. Reports often come from children who allegedly have been victims of this kind of abuse, psychiatrists who have had patients make such reports, or adults who have recently remembered being victimized as children.

As shown above, ritualistic abuse is very difficult to define. This can lead to obstacles. The lack of a clear definition and the widespread acceptance of stereotypes causes controversy and non-belief. Many believe that there is a network of ritual abusers in Canada and the U.S. Others claim that there is a connection with organized crime (mainly in U.S.), and others believe that many satanic rings are fronts for child prostitution/child pornography rings. While this may or may not be true, it is more likely that there are small groups of individuals who use rituals in their abuse of children.

Another major problem is convincing people that this kind of abuse does occur. The stories and reports can sometimes be very difficult to believe merely because they are so horrific. It is very difficult to accept that this kind of abuse is being committed upon children by adults. Therefore the credibility of the victim is questioned or shrugged off as a child with a vivid imagination. The worst part is that more children may suffer because of people's inability to accept these reports.

These cults seem very competent at hiding their activities from the police. They leave little evidence of their presence behind. Most of the information comes from children, or adults who were children when the abuse occurred. The memories of children may not be as accurate as those of adults. They may interpret things differently. Drugs are believed to be a common factor and this may affect memories. Also, the abusers may purposely try to confuse the children. If they do report the abuse, they will make mistakes and lead the police in the wrong direction. Hypnosis is another commonly reported activity that may account for memory loss.

Much of this kind of activity has been reported at day cares, preschools, church youth programs, and summer camps. In short, the people involved often are those who are in positions of trust with young people. They are also in situations where the child is isolated from his/her parent.

ACTIVITIES OF CULTS

The reported activities of ritual cults are very disturbing. Again, many of these reports are impossible to confirm. The following is a list of some of the most commonly reported characteristics of ritual cults:

• involve multiple children as young as two years of age
• involve multiple offenders
• fear is used as a control mechanism, i.e., death threats
• pornography
• drug use and giving drugs to children
• sexual abuse, often very sadistic and painful
• cruelty to animals, i.e., mutilation
• use of weapons, pins and needles
• use of feces, urine and blood, i.e., drinking it
• chanting to devils, monsters or demons
• grave robbing
• use of symbols, costumes, candles
• human sacrifices
• defacing/vandalizing cemeteries
• threats to loved ones if the victim does not submit or keep the secret
• guilt and shaming the victim into submission and silence
• electric shock
• hypnosis/mind control

PREVALENCE OF RITUAL ABUSE

As already mentioned, the reports of this kind of abuse are often difficult to confirm. And since there is no separate category for "ritual abuse," it is very difficult to get reliable statistics on how much of this kind of activity really goes on. Most of the people who have been charged by authorities are convicted under sexual assault laws. It is also a fairly new phenomena for the police, so there is still very much they do not know about it. The police have discovered cases of child sexual and physical abuse while investigating ritual abuse cases.

However, many people have reported to have been victims or members of these kinds of cults. In 1987, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies say that they had over 12 reports of satanic cults in only three years. In Winnipeg, in 1990, there were five different cults involving over 150 people discovered. Some of these people were middle class professionals.

Satanic cults were suspected in being involved with several child abduction cases in Alberta. An RCMP constable who has studied satanic cults for years says he believed that they were responsible for children who were abducted during the annual "satanic holy days" which lasts for 13 days in the summer.

Over 100 cases a year are investigated in the U.S. Almost every state in the U.S. has investigated some form of satanic activity. A few states are even attempting to define and distinguish "ritual child abuse" as a separate crime. Many police forces are beginning to hold seminars on how to better detect the presence of satanic cults, and how to examine crime scenes where cults are suspected of having been present.

The Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women reported hearing from many women who claim to have been victims of ritual abuse. They spoke of unbelievable physical, sexual and emotional torture. Many live in constant fear, even now as adults. The Panel said, "There is a clear parallel between the longstanding disbelief of sexual abuse survivors and the present disbelief of ritual survivors (p.45)."

THE CHILDREN

What is often lost in the debate about whether satanic cults like those being discussed exist, or how many are in operation, is the fact that children may be exposed to things that no one should have to face.

The effects of sexual abuse, or physical abuse of children can be devastating, and long term. They may remain with the child for the rest of their life. The effects of this kind of ritual abuse must be all of that and more. Studies have shown that when young people are the victims of child pornography, the knowledge that their image has been captured on film or video is worse than if the child had only been sexually abused. The reports of ritual abuse often include pornography. If children are forced to watch and participate in (or even if they mistakenly believe that they have) human sacrifices, the impact must be incredible.

What few people seem to consider is that while the existence of a network of satanic cults is difficult to believe, that does not disqualify the reports of all children. Many children may be the victims of this kind of abuse in daycares and preschools. That does not demand any kind of network.

Another possibility is that the elaborate rituals and costumes that are common in the allegations may be done simply to confuse the children, and make their stories less believable. Maybe these individuals know what the response of the police is to reports of bizarre rituals, when in fact the motive is simply to sexually abuse the child. From the reactions of most police and others to these reports, it would not be difficult to understand why people would use this method of abuse.

The human sacrifices and cannibalism allegations that many children make, may be elaborate deceptions. Such activity would no doubt frighten a child into silence or submission. It must be remembered that the minds of young children are not as mature as adults, and they are more likely to believe the stories that an abuser may tell them

Some symptoms that many professionals have noticed in (alleged) victims they have heard from which may lead them to believe them are:

• an unexplainable knowledge of sexual behaviour
• talk of satanism or demons
• drawings with demonic connotations
• bed wetting
• aggression
• constant fear
• much talk about death
• low self esteem

Studies have consistently shown that children rarely lie about being the victims of sexual abuse. Some would argue that children never lie about it. Contrary to popular belief, the sexual abuse of a child does not necessarily leave physical marks or scars. When revealing this kind of abuse, children often begin by talking about some minor instance of molestation. If they get an understanding response, they may progressively give a more thorough description of the abuse. The disclosure is often done with an obvious amount of fear.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSPECTIVE

The police may be fighting a losing battle in these kinds of cases. On the one hand, if they investigate these bizarre allegations, they may be ridiculed by the media, the public or even other police forces. But if they do not investigate an allegation, they may be criticized by the parents, social workers, psychiatrists and other police. Just the possibility that children are being ritually tortured is far too great for police not to investigate.

One of the main reasons for not believing these types of allegations is that no one has ever found a ritual crime scene where human bodies have been buried. (One explanation given for this is that cult members often move the bodies later to ensure that victims can't lead the police to the body). However, perhaps police should not expect to find everything that a child may describe due to the problems that young people have with their memories. While no remains of human sacrifices have been found, several things have been discovered, such as: pictures of the devil, upside down crossed, "666" and five point pentagrams (images of the devil). Over 15,000 remains of animal mutilations have been found across Canada. These may be indications of some kind of ritual-like activity.

If complaints of ritual abuse are made, police and prosecutors may try to downplay that part of the allegation and focus on the sexual/physical abuse complaints. This is because the ritual abuse is very difficult to prove. Juries may be more likely to believe a victim's story if the ritual abuse is not part of it, and therefore more likely to convict. In addition, police and prosecutors may not believe the victim about the ritual abuse or they may chalk it up to a vivid imagination.

Several police forces in both Canada and the U.S. have held conferences or sent officers on training courses that deal with ritual abuse and cults, for example what to look for at a crime scene. There are even some states in the U.S. that are trying to create a separate offence for ritual abuse.

CANADIAN EXPERIENCES

The most infamous case of ritual abuse involved two young girls from Hamilton. The two young girls reported that their mother and her boyfriend and their father were all involved in a bizarre cult and they were forced to do unspeakable things. There was a civil trial to decide if the children should be taken away from their parents and placed in foster homes. While the court heard evidence of a satanic cult over the 9-month hearing, it was not a criminal trial. The only issue before the court was what was in the best interests of the child.

The two girls began reporting horrifying stories of sexual abuse and bizarre rituals at the hands of their father and their mother and her boyfriend when they were put into the temporary care of a foster parent. They related stories of cannibalism, pornography, sexual abuse, murder, people in robes, etc. At first, the foster mother could not believe the stories that the children were telling her. Over time she realized that the children were describing adult sexual matters in great detail, and the stories were consistent over time and between the two girls. She came to the realization that these two little girls had experienced some kind of abuse. She informed the Children's Aid Society who also believed that these girls were the victims of sexual abuse, at the very least.

The police were not so receptive. Most of the officers did not believe the girls. In any event, the criminal investigation found no evidence of any kind of cult activity (although the police did not search very hard). The court did take the children away from their parents. While the judge did not say that he believed everything he had heard, he heard enough to detect that these girls had been sexually abused by those who were supposed to be entrusted with their care.

The most recent infamous case of this kind of abuse was the Martensville case. Several people were alleged to have been involved in some kind of satanic cult activity centering around an in-home family babysitting business. Several police officers along with the family who ran the business faced over 170 charges of child abuse. The charges against the police officers were all stayed. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling (the people who ran the babysitting business) were both acquitted. However, their 25 year old son Travis was found guilty of eight charges including assault, attempting to perform anal and oral intercourse on a young boy. The investigation/trial heard stories of torture, sexual abuse and a Devil Church where humans were sacrificed. The entire investigation cost millions of dollars, and revealed some glaring errors in the police investigation.

THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Reports of some form of ritual abuse have been revealed in the U.S., England, Holland, Russia and other countries. All of the allegations have remarkable consistency. Many things discussed earlier in the Canadian examples have been reported by people all across the world.

Several cases in the U.S. have led investigators to actually search for bodies. For example, investigators in Ohio dug up some areas, but found no bodies. Fifteen million dollars was spent in an investigation of a Los Angeles preschool. Over 300 charges ended in a hung jury, and charges were then dismissed. Over 60 young people in the Netherlands reported being victimized at the hands of a ritual abuse ring. An 18-month investigation did not turn up any incriminating evidence.

There have been some successful prosecutions in the U.S. of child sexual abuse cases involving ritual elements. A day care operator in Malden, Massachusetts was convicted of sexual abuse involving photography, adults dressed as clowns and the ritual slaying of small animals. A proprietor of a preschool in Michigan was convicted of abuse involving satanic activity. A proprietor of a babysitting service in Miami received six life sentences for the sexual abuse of several children who reported ritual like activities. The man's wife testified against him.

EVIDENCE AGAINST THE EXISTENCE OF RITUAL ABUSE

Many people do not believe the hundreds of reports of ritual abuse. Some police officers, social workers and psychiatrists do not believe that satanic cults are operational in Canada (or anywhere for that matter). They claim that the problem is the fault of naive parents, over zealous psychiatrists and social workers who believe anything that a child tells them. These people encourage children to tell these bizarre stories by rewarding them with so much attention.

An organization, False Memory Syndrome Foundation, questions the reliability of "decade delayed memories." Many people who claim to have been the victims of ritual abuse are adults in therapy who have no memories of such events until they undergo therapy. Therefore, the society claims that these kinds of memories cannot always be relied upon. They blame psychiatrists who misinterpret memories and "encourage" their patients to have memories of torture and rituals. The Foundation is made up of parents and families who claim to be victims of false memories. They claim to have received over 150 calls in their first year by people claiming to have had false memories. It should be noted that "false memory syndrome" is generally not an accepted term in the psychiatric field.

Although there have been individuals who have claimed to kill in the name of Satan or groups of teenagers who have claimed to be satanists after becoming involved in heavy metal music, the idea of an underground network of satanists abusing children is out of the question. While the police have been very successful in infiltrating organized crime syndicates, pedophiles groups, motorcycle gangs, not one police force in Canada or the U.S. has even been able to identify a satanic group. Despite the claims of alleged victims that they witnessed human sacrifices, no bodies have been found.

Critics also cite the fact that there has never been any clear evidence that proves the existence of any cults. No human remains have ever been found despite the number of reports. Kenneth Lanning (the Behavioral Sciences Unit at the FBI Academy in Quantico) has investigated hundreds of such allegations said, "There is no case I know of where anything of great significance was found." However, he has found cases of "regular" child abuse while investigating these kinds of complaints. A study done in the U.S. (sponsored by the National Center on Child Abuse) on over 12000 ritual abuse complaints found that not one could be substantiated.

CONCLUSION

Clearly, the issue of ritual abuse does not provide any easy answers for police, psychiatrists or the victims. However, if everyone involved could keep the best interests of the child in mind as the number one goal, outcomes may be more positive. People must keep an open mind, and understand the difficulties that victims face in expressing and remembering their experiences. If people dismiss these complaints as completely unfounded, it is the victims who suffer.

Whether these kinds of things do occur is something that has not yet been proven - but it has not been disproved either. Several questions need to be answered. Why would normal people open themselves up to so much hostility and ridicule by making up stories of ritual abuse? Why is there so much consistency in the stories reported by people who have never met? Where would young children get the knowledge to allow them to make up such terrifying stories?

We must remember that all forms of child abuse are bizarre and abnormal. It is never normal to rape a child, whether it is done during a ritualist ceremony or in the back room of a cottage. The Roch Theriault cult (see the Victims of Violence paper on Cults) in Canada is an excellent example of bizarre, inconceivable behaviour that included the most sadistic forms of violence imaginable. No one can deny that it happened.

This report may leave more unanswered questions than answered ones. Apparently more research is needed in this area of child abuse. Anyone who does get involved in this area, whether it is police, social workers or psychiatrists, must always remember it is the children who are the most important factors, not whether or not others will ridicule you. Perhaps the claim that all children are lying about ritual abuse may be as big of a mistake as saying that no children lie about it.

Additional Sources

Believe the Children Newsletter. Vol.8 July/1988.

Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women. Ending Violence - Achieving Equality. (1983).

Family Violence Bulletin. "Research and Treatment Issues: Satanic Cults."

Hines, Betty. "Foundation is on the Rise to Discredit Memories of Childhood Abuse: Satanic Abuse Takes a Direct Hit." Voices Nov.-Dec./1992.

Jones, David. "Ritualism and Child Sexual Abuse" Child Abuse and Neglect. Vol.15/1991.

Jonker, F. and P. Jonker. "Experiences with Ritualistic Child Sexual Abuse: The Netherlands" Child Abuse and Neglect. Vol.15/1991.

Kouri, James. "Ritualistic Crime and Drugs: An Unholy Alliance." Police Times

Lanning, Kenneth. "Ritual Abuse: A Law Enforcement View or Perspective" Child Abuse and Neglect. Vol.15/1991.

Lees, David. "Martensville" Saturday Night. May/1994.

Makin, Kirk. Redrum the Innocent. 1992.

Marron, Kevin. Ritual Abuse. 1990.

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WICCAN Information Network. "Info Sheet: Why people believe satanic ritual abuse is common." 18 Nov/1994.

Young, Walter. "Patients Reporting Ritual Abuse in Childhood" Child Abuse and Neglect Vol.15/1991.