FAQs - Ritual Organised Abuse

What is Ritual Abuse? 

Ritual abuse (RA) lies at the extreme end of the abuse spectrum, but, as with child sexual abuse (CSA), definitions are contested. Ritual Abuse Network Scotland defines it as “organised sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, which can be systematic and sustained over a long period of time. It involves the use of rituals, with or without a belief system. It usually involves more than one person as abusers.”

What is organised abuse?

It can be argued that all abuse is organised but generally when we talk about organised abuse we are referring to abuse that is organised and planned by groups or gangs of people to make profit. Organised abuse can sometimes be called exploitation this can be physical or sexual exploitation or modern-day slavery.

what is mind control?

Also known as brainwashing, coercive persuasion or thought control. It refers to the way some people have tried to control the beliefs and behaviours of others. Basically it is a process where a group or individual uses coercive or extreme methods to persuade other to change their basic beliefs and values. A group or individual may use unethical methods to persuade others to believe and do what the manipulator(s) want. It usually harms the person being manipulated.  ​

why do some people think ritual abuse doesn't happen?

Some people just don’t want to accept or believe how terribly cruel some people can be especially to children. The same disbelief happened when survivors of child sexual abuse first spoke out. Many people denied its existence. Abusers would like us to believe that ritual abuse doesn’t happen. Survivors have no investment in lying, but abusers do. Many people do not believe survivors, yet more and more come forward and tell of their experiences. Each survivor’s voice is adding to the existing mountain of proof which eventually will become so large that it will become impossible to walk round it anymore.

is ritual abuse DIFFERENT from other forms of abuse?

All abuse is ritualised and organised to some degree and is based on an abuse of power. RA tends to be more organised, sustained and extreme than some forms of abuse. All abuse is horrendous and can have devastating effects on survivors. It is an individual experience, and no one can declare any one form of abuse milder or worse than any other. Abuse is not a comparative nor competitive and the effects on each person will be unique to them.

Is ritual abuse happening only in certain areas?

As with all abuse, ritual abuse crosses all boundaries of race, class, culture, country and area. It may not be happening everywhere, but it can certainly happen anywhere.

does ritual abuse only happen in cults?

Some does and some does not. Some abusers belong to cults or groups but ritual abuse can also happen within the family setting or on an individual basis. Most ritual abuse is generational i.e. runs in families. As with all kinds of abuse though adults have choices. It can be that there is a family history of ritual abuse but some survivors do escape and end the ‘tradition’. Some people choose to abuse in this way without any previous history of involvement. People can be coerced into becoming involved in various ways e.g. marrying someone who is already involved. As with all abuse people can be actively recruited as abusers or victims either directly because they are interested or vulnerable, or indirectly through pornography or prostitution.

does ritual abuse involve devil worship

Abusers will use any excuse and/or tactic to hold and maintain their power over survivors including the use of a belief system. Often abusers try to cause more fear by using rituals involving satanic or mystical beliefs.

are the abusers extremely powerful?

Many survivors certainly believe this, as do survivors of rape and child sexual abuse. The thing to remember is although abusers may appear powerful to survivors, they have no more power than anyone else. If they were so powerful they would have no need to hide and lie about what they do.

do the abusers have magical power?

Some survivors may believe this especially as children. They may have been tricked or drugged and may have witnessed illusions designed to persuade them to believe in magic.

Are the abusers everywhere?

Not necessarily, though they may have the potential to be anywhere, in that anyone with power over anyone else has the potential to abuse that power. In this society there are many abuses of power and position and abusers can appear to be everywhere. Often survivors feel unable to escape or talk because they believe the abusers are everywhere. The abusers will have reinforced this belief as it works well for them. 

are the survivors destined to always be connected to the abuse?

This is insulting to the many survivors who have escaped abuse. Leaving any abusive situation is a process and not a single event. Some survivors may still be involved and still being abused. Some survivors maintain some contact with abusers. The same is true of survivors of domestic violence and child sexual abuse where there can be many difficulties to overcome in escaping the situation. Continued involvement is no more the case in ritual abuse than any other form of abuse.

Is it possible to escape ritual abuse?

Though escape from this abuse can be difficult, many survivors do escape and recover. ​

Do the survivors stay in touch with abusive family?

As with any abuse, breaking away from family can be difficult. Many survivors escape completely and many keep contact to a minimum. Leaving is a process and not a single event. ​

Do the survivors require years of therapy? 

Survivors of RA were speaking out and leading normal lives long before therapy was available. Many survivors of ritual abuse do lead normal lives and do so without therapy. They hold down responsible jobs, raise families and get on with their lives. Some survivors have support from people who are not therapists. Some choose to have therapists. Many people need professional help in their lives, not just survivors. Some survivors of ritual abuse find ways to help themselves. Some get help from friends. Some go to organisations, help each other or go to therapists. All survivors are not permanently badly damaged, though some may be.

Can a survivor with a DISSOCIATIVE condition be abused without knowing?

Any survivor’s awareness of ongoing abuse can be blocked out, denied or minimised by them as a way of coping with a horrendous situation. People with a dissociative condition can be just as aware of everything that is going on around them as anyone else but they can also dissociate and be unaware of ongoing abuse.

Are RA survivors dangerous?

Survivors survive dangerous situations and escape from these situations. They are no more likely to be a danger to someone else than any other person. Sometimes though, survivors are conditioned to believe this themselves and may avoid talking or getting support in the belief of safeguarding others. This can be effective tactic abusers often use to ensure the silence of survivors.

Do all RA survivors have a dissosciative condition?

Some survivors develop dissociative conditions as a creative and natural way of coping with abuse but others develop different coping mechanisms to survive. This is an individual response to an unbearable situation.

Can supporting a survivor of ra be dangerous for the supporter?

Supporting any survivor of abuse can lead to threats from abusers who are trying to silence the survivor. There is no more danger in supporting a survivor of ritual abuse than any other survivor.

Do therapists know better than the survivor what is needed to help?

No one can know better than the survivor what help is needed or wanted though sometimes survivors need help to access information and resources. If survivors are supported in exploring their options and supported through crisis, they can decide for themselves what they need.

do supporters need expert training?

Many survivors of ritual abuse have supported themselves, been supported by friends, rape crisis workers, and others, quite adequately. It helps to be aware of the issues, but many survivors help their supporter in becoming more aware. The reality is that most ‘experts’ have been taught by the survivors.

do supporters need extra support?

All who support survivors should get support if they need it. The need for support depends more on the individual supporter rather than the type of abuse or survivor being supported.

FAQs - Dissociation 

What is DISSOCIATION?

Dissociation is a separation or disconnection between thoughts, feelings, memory, identity and behaviours and a separation between the mind and body (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is the mind’s way of putting unbearable experiences and memories into different compartments. For example, remembering a traumatic event but have no feelings attached to the memory. These different parts of the survivors’ experiences are of course connected, but they learn to survive by becoming unaware of the connections.

what is derealisation?

Derealization is the sense of unreality like seeing the world as foggy, far away, or through a veil. Some people describe feeling detached, or like watching a movie.

can people have more than one personality?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) involves a lack of connection among a person’s sense of identity, memory and consciousness. This disorder usually arises in response to physical and sexual abuse in childhood as a means of surviving mistreatment by people who should be nurturing and protecting. Often the person survives by ‘creating’ a part or person to cope. This can happen many times with survivors ‘creating’ many parts to hold different traumas, feelings or memories.

what is DISSOCIATIVE amnesia?

Amnesia is the inability to recall important information that it is not due to ordinary forgetfulness. The amnesia is often a major event that is forgotten, such as abuse, or a block of time. Often the content of a conversation is forgotten from one moment to the next. This can leave people confused and trying to work out what was being discussed while trying to cover up the amnesia.

what causes dissociative conditions?

Extreme childhood abuse, neglect or emotional abuse and other traumas are associated with developing dissociative disorders. Dissociation can be considered an adaptive coping mechanism because it reduces the overpowering distress caused by trauma. However, if it continues in adulthood, it can be problematic and limit a person in many situations in ordinary life.

Are people often misdiagnosed?

Yes. People are often misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, personality disorder or other mental health condition. For example, some people experience dissociated identities as hearing voices and get misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Symptoms do not improve with antipsychotic medication, but emotions often get flatter with medication. ​

what symptoms might be ASSOCIATED with did?

There might be sudden changes in mood and behaviour. People with dissociative identity disorder may forget saying or doing things. Friends or family can sometimes tell when a person “switches.” The transitions can be sudden and startling. For example, the person may go from being fearful and apologetic to being angry and domineering or sad and withdrawn. They may not remember what happened when they switched.

is dissociation a coping mechanism?

Dissociation is a common coping mechanism, especially in the face of trauma. Many abused people experience floating above their bodies, seeing the body beneath them. Many people find ways to detach from painful or unpleasant experiences but often recover over time. However, those with dissociative disorders experience persistent amnesia, depersonalization, derealization or identity fragmentation that can interfere with processing or working through traumatic experiences.

how can you help a person affected by dissociation?

Be open, honest and accepting with the person. Listen and believe them and accept their expertise regarding themselves. Do not ‘take sides’ with one or another component of their identity. Rather view them as part of the whole person. We are all different in different situations, but we see this as different sides of ourselves. Try to maintain that perspective with the person with dissociative disorder. ​

FAQs - Reporting Abuse

Do survivors have to tell the police about abuse they have experienced? ​

No. It is every individual’s choice if they report the abuse or not. No one can force anyone to report abuse if they don’t want to. On the other hand, all survivors have every right to report their abuse to the police if they want.

Is there a time limit on reporting sexual abuse to the police?

No. In the UK a survivor can report or make a complaint now or 50 years after the abuse. Having said that, 50 years from now there might not be the same level of evidence available to get a conviction against the abusers and people may not remember things fully but it is never too late to go to the police.

Do survivors just go to the local police station if they want to report abuse? ​

No. Every area in the UK has a unit called the family protection or public protection unit and they have the trained police officers who deal with sexual offences. To find the correct police officers call 101 and ask for a direct number to the family protection unit. Anyone can call the officers and arrange an appointment to talk to them. If someone is in danger though they can dial 999 and officers will respond quickly.

Can survivors have someone with them when they talk to the police? ​

Yes. Everyone has a right to have someone of their choosing with them for support, but that person must not be a witness to the crime. Now, this is where it gets tricky because a witness is not always a person that saw what happened, though it might be. It could be someone who was told about the abuse. Anyone who knows even a little about the crime can potentially be a witness.

Do survivors have to say immediately, or can they ask questions first? ​

Survivors can meet the police and ask questions about the process first. If they then decide not to go ahead, they do not have to.

Can survivors request a female police officer? ​

Yes. Some people find it easier to talk to a man and some find it easier to talk to a woman. The police understand that and will give survivors the gender they prefer if this is possible within the limits of resources.

Do survivors have to go into detail about the abuse? ​

Yes. The police will want to know as much as possible so they know what kind of evidence to look for. If there is something that a survivor doesn’t want to tell though, they don’t have to. Many survivors tell only the things they feel able to talk about.

What about the ritual aspects of abuse? Will the police believe that? ​

The police should listen and not judge. It is up to survivors how much they share with the police and if a survivor is concerned about some parts of their experiences not being believed they can share only what they feel comfortable with sharing.

Will the police understand about dissociation? ​

It is very unlikely that police offices will have received training in dissociation. It is important that the survivor feels ready to talk to the police and can give a coherent statement if they want the best possible outcome.

Do survivors have to have a medical examination? ​

No. The police might ask the survivor to have a medical so that they can collect evidence but the survivor can refuse. No one can be forced to have a medical examination. Sometimes a medical can help the police gather more evidence but often it makes no difference unless the abuse is recent or ongoing.

What is meant by evidence? ​

When someone makes a complaint about sexual abuse, the police look for evidence to back up what was said. Most sexual crimes happen in private so there are rarely direct witnesses unless there were other people present. Evidence might be forensic, such as DNA if abuse is recent. It could be a recording that the survivor took of threats from the abuser. It could be a statement from someone who saw the survivor upset. It could be photos or videos. There are many different types of evidence that the police can collect.

What if the police do not believe the survivor? ​

The job of the police is to investigate crime and send a report to the prosecutors. They will listen to what is said and will try to find evidence to back up what was said. They are not there to judge.

How do the police record what is said? ​

Usually they note a statement and the survivor reads it back and signs it. ​

Will the police get to see medical records? ​

The police may ask the survivor to sign a form which gives them permission to access medical records but survivors have a choice in this.

Can a survivor change their mind after telling the police? ​

Yes. The investigation might still go ahead and the survivor might still be called to court but it is unlikely unless a vulnerable person is identified as being at risk.

Will the police tell the abuser what was said? ​

The job of the police is to investigate crime. Once they have been told everything, they then talk to anyone who might assist. It might be a sibling, another survivor or a friend to depending on what they were told. Once they have as much information as possible they will talk to the abusers and often charge them with the offences if there is enough evidence.

What if the abusers threatens the survivor? ​

They will have been warned by the police not to talk to the survivor or go near them. If they do, the survivor can call the police.

Will it go to court? ​

Maybe. Unfortunately, not every case of sexual abuse ends up in court and even fewer cases of ritual abuse. It could be there is not enough evidence. It could be that the person admits it or admits a lesser offence. Or it could be that the survivor is cited as a witness and must appear in court to testify.

FAQs - Going to Court

If someone is sexually abused and reports to the police, do they need to get a lawyer if it goes to court? ​

No. Only the accused person needs a lawyer. 

What happens after reporting to the police and the investigation is finished? ​

Survivors get an offer of support from Victim Support. It is up to them whether to take up this offer. Victim Support can keep survivors informed about the case. The next thing that usually happens if the case is to go to court is that the lawyer for the defence will contact the survivor and ask to meet them to ask questions. This can be at the place of the survivor’s choice and they can have someone with them for support.

Can people refuse to talk to the defence lawyer?  ​

Yes but the lawyer will later claim in court that his client has been hampered in his defence.

What does the defence lawyer want? 

They are gathering evidence to try and help the client (the accused person). The lawyer is usually trying to find out how strong a case there is and if people can remember everything fully.

Does it then go to court

No usually before that, the prosecution will want to talk to the survivor too. This is to see how best the prosecution can make the case against the accused.

What happens when it goes to court? ​

Survivors are classed as a vulnerable witness and are usually contacted about special measure in court. For example, a screen to stop the accused seeing them or they can give evidence via a video link.

Do survivors always have to appear in court?

No. Sometimes the accused pleads guilty because there is so much evidence and to get a reduced sentence. Sometimes the lawyers make a deal so the accused pleads guilty to some things and not others.

What if the survivor doesn’t want to go to court? ​

Once cited for court no one can refuse unless seriously ill. People can be arrested for not going to court when cited.

Are there lots of people in the court when survivors give evidence? ​

When survivors give evidence, the public gallery is cleared so only court officials are present. ​

Who asks the questions? ​

The prosecution asks the questions first usually. After that the lawyer for the defence asks questions. Sometimes the judge asks questions too.

What verdicts are there? ​

In Scotland it can be not guilty, not proven, or guilty. In England & Wales it is guilty or not guilty.

Will the survivor’s name be in the newspapers or media? ​

No. In the UK all victims of sexual crimes are protected from the press and the press are not allowed to put a survivor’s name in the newspapers or identify them in any way.

If found guilty, does sentencing happen straight away? ​

No. Usually the judge asks social work to carry out a background report on the person before sentencing them.

FAQs - Compensation

What is Criminal Injuries Compensation?

It is a government funded scheme designed to compensate blameless victims of violent crime in the UK. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), administer the Scheme and decide all claims. A guide to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
 
The rules of the Scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by Parliament and are calculated by reference to a tariff of injuries. Although the size of the award varies to reflect the seriousness of the injury, it will never fully compensate a person for what they have suffered or lost - it is just society’s way of recognising that someone has been a victim

Can Criminal Injuries Compensation be applied for if the case does not go to court? ​

Yes. A victim can still put in a claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation as long as they have reported the abuse to the police even if it does not go to court.

How long do people have to claim Criminal Injuries Compensation? ​

If they are a child, parents can claim it on their behalf. If they do not and the crime was reported to the police, people can claim it up until their 20th birthday.

Can victims get help to apply for Criminal Injuries? ​

Yes. Victim Support can help anyone apply as can a lawyer. Some lawyers take a fee though. 18U can also help people apply.

What if the crime was never reported?  ​

It is never too late to report abuse. If the crime was not reported when it happened, it can be reported anytime and people then have 2 years to claim Criminal Injuries Compensation. Criminal Injuries cannot be claimed if the crime is not reported to the police.

Can Criminal Injuries be claimed for mental injury caused by witnessing a violent crime? ​

Yes. If someone witnessed or was present at a violent incident during which a loved one was injured as a result of a crime of violence and they suffered a mental injury as a result. ​

FAQs - Disability Payments

What is Adult Disability Payments (Scotland) or PIP (England, Wales)? ​

This is a welfare benefit available in the UK for people affected by a long-term health problem or disability to help them with everyday living and mobility. It is not affected by savings, income or wether a person is working or not. It is intended to improve people's lives. 

Who is entitled to it? ​

You can apply for Adult Disability Payment or PIP if you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a terminal illness. You can apply if you're waiting for a diagnosis. You must be between age 16 and the state pension age. (There is an equivalent benefit for children). If over the state pension age, you can apply for attendance allowance instead.

How do you apply? ​

Apply online or phone and ask for a form to fill in. Google for the phone number. The claim starts from the day you first make contact. Welfare benefits agencies or Citizens Advice Bureaus can help with completing the forms.

How is it accessed? ​

The form has 2 main sections once you fill in your name and contact information. One asks about daily living activities with questions about preparing food, nutrition, managing health conditions, washing and bathing, managing toilet, dressing, communication, reading and understanding, engaging with others and budgeting. The 2nd section is about mobility and asks about planning journeys and moving around. There is a points system used to access the award.

Why are the questions so difficult and embarrassing? ​

The questions are designed to cover a range of different conditions but most importantly to understand how people are affected by their condition daily. Try to imagine your worst day when filling in the form and if you are feeling embarrassed get someone to help you. Being honest about how you are affected is important as it gets you the right amount of an award to help improve quality of life.

How much do you get?

This depends on the points awarded for each question. You get different rates depending on your accessed needs. You can get a daily living award, a mobility award or both.

What happens if I don’t agree with the decision? ​

You can appeal! And should!

What if my condition changes?

Any changes should be notified. If your condition improves your award might be reduced. If your condition gets worse your award will possibly be increased. Many people whose condition deteriorates do not report it either because they are unaware that they might get more money or because they fear they will lose money. If a health condition gets worse, it is very unlikely that the benefit will be reduced and much more likely it will be increased.

What other help is there?

In Scotland most people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment can get a free bus pass, in England there is a Freedom Pass. People with mobility issues can apply for a Blue Badge for free or disabled parking. There are some additional benefits available depending on circumstances such as housing benefit, jobseekers, discounted water bills, free prescriptions, discounted days out, mobility vehicles, etc. It’s always worth checking with a welfare benefits agency locally to find out what else you are entitled to.

FAQs - Self-Directed Support

what is self-directed support?

Self-directed support (SDS), is the name given to a way of meeting people’s assessed social care needs within the community. Self-directed support is about giving people control of the support they receive and the life they lead. It may be referred to as 'personal budgets', but whatever name used the important thing to remember is that it is intended to empower and enable individuals.

The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 imposes a legal obligation on Local Authorities to provide 4 options to those eligible for social care support or those already provided with services. The options are intended to support the flexibility and creativity allowed under the social welfare and wellbeing duties relating to adults and children (Scottish Government, 2014). There is equivalent legislation in England and Wales.
​
The scheme operates differently in different areas.

How can you self-direct your care?

Personal budget - This refers to money allocated to an individual by the local authority to fund their assessed care and support needs.

Individual budget - This combines resources from different funding areas as well as social care funding, such as health care, Independent Living Fund or Supporting People funding.

Direct payment - This is payments made directly to you so you can arrange your own support. They can be in regular instalments or one-off payments.

Personal health budget - This is an allocation of resources made to a person with an established health need. This is relatively new and is currently being piloted by the Department of Health.

How do you get self-directed support? ​

To apply, contact social services and ask for an assessment. You will be asked questions about your circumstances as social services need to decide whether you are eligible before they can offer an assessment. Generally, people with disabilities or older people are eligible. If you already receive help from social services and want to change to self-directed support, you should speak to your social worker.

what is self assessment?

This means completing a self-assessment form to explain what support you need. Social services must make the form available in an accessible format. Social services use your form to decide your level of need and estimate how much money you need for support. They also consider how much money the local authority has available for care services. Social services then contact you to let you know how much your budget will be. This is the money that you will have to buy services, adaptations, support, or equipment to meet your needs.

How will you be supported? ​

Tell social services what kind of support you want, when you will need that help, how you want it provided and by whom. ​

How will you spend your personal budget? ​

You need to explain how you will use your budget to pay for support. For example, you might choose to use some to pay for a personal assistant to help with personal care and some for a computer.

You will be able to decide which services, adaptations, equipment or support you want that best meets your needs and your goals. You can ask for anything at all if you can justify it and explain how it will be used. personal assistants/carers, equipment, etc.

How do you want the money to be paid? ​

You need to explain how you want the money paid. You can choose any, or all, of the following: A direct payment to you - paid in monthly instalments or as one-off payments, direct payments are a good option if you want to manage the money yourself. As an indirect payment - to a relative or person known to you. As an indirect payment to a trust as a care managed package - where social services look after the money for you. As an individual service fund - where money is managed by a service provider on behalf of you. The money is restricted for use on care and support services which meet the criteria set out in the persons support plan. ​

What can you do if Self Directed Support is refused?

Appeal!