This is a broad theme with numerous sub-themes that involves abuse that is related to specific cultural, religious or other systems of understanding or belief.

The following information from the Metropolitan Police may be helpful:

Child abuse linked to faith or belief | Metropolitan Police

Hate crime

• Hate crime is a theme in its own right, but it also interfaces with the concept of abuse related to faith or belief
• Some children are targeted because of their faith, culture or appearance
• They may have to endure offensive comments about their faith or background
• Hate crime is about discrimination based on prejudice

Witchcraft and demon posession

In some cultures where there is a strong belief in evil spirits, this belief can lead to the abuse of children who are perceived to be affected by these supernatural forces or beings.

Demon possession describes a situation where an evil spirit takes possession of a person and controls their behaviour to some extent. This situation is perceived to be dangerous, both for the person affected but also for the community at large. As a result, the belief is that the demon needs to be driven out through some sort of exorcism.

Exorcisms take many forms but can have a devastating impact on the child and can involve all 4 categories of abuse. Sometimes the child is required to “fast” before the exorcism; in some cases being deprived of food or water for several days. Exorcisms can involve physical harm such as beating, cutting or eating/drinking harmful substances. In some instances, though less frequently, they can also include sexual abuse. Even where these more harmful practices are not adopted, the social isolation, rejection, and fear of the community and the “prayer of exorcism” can be profoundly traumatising for the child.

Whereas demon possession is about the evil spirit controlling someone against their will, witchcraft is about the “witch” controlling supernatural powers or beings through spells, incantations, potions etc that are perceived to have magical powers. Witches are often feared and seen as a threat to the community that must be eliminated.

Fear of witchcraft or demon possession has been involved in a number of cases where children have been killed, including Victoria Climbié, Kristy Bamu, and many others. There are approximately 1000 children across the UK on Child Protection plans due to such concerns.

Shame and so-called “Honour based violence”

In some communities, the concept of honour and shame are defining features of the culture and behaviours or actions that are perceived to bring shame upon the family or the community can result in abuse of the child. This can range from pressure to conform, through neglect and the withholding of basic necessities to physical assaults and even murder.

There have been numerous high profile cases, however, the murder of Shafilea Ahmed is one of the most well known.

Forced marriage and child brides

It is important to distinguish here between arranged marriage, in which the bride and groom exercise choice, and forced marriage, where the marriage is imposed against the wishes of the individual (almost always the bride)

This may include being forced to marry a much older man, being forced to marry to avoid shame, or being trafficked for marriage and into a different culture or nation. Forced marriage can affect both children and adults.

Child brides refers to the forced marriage of a child (under the age of 18). Girls are many times more likely to be victims than boys. Marriage under the age of 15 years is common in some areas and marriage by 12 years old is not uncommon. In some cultures, even younger children are married (usually to adults) and are subjected to sexual abuse.

Marriage at such a young age has resulted in significant harm and even death. Many girls become mothers very young and this can have significant impact physically and psychologically.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM takes many forms but all are illegal. It is often performed on very young children, around puberty, or prior to marriage. FGM is received to increase male sexual pleasure and is also sometimes seen as a way of encouraging chastity. It can involve:

• Removal of external genitalia
• Cutting, piercing or tattooing of the genitalia
• Insertion of corrosive materials
• Labia elongation
• etc

Any form of FGM is illegal. Sometimes, we come across statements such as “We oppose FGM. All we do is…” however, often the practice described still falls within the definition of FGM.

If we have concerns that a child has been a victim of FGM, or that they are at risk, this should be reported to the Safeguarding Lead who will refer the matter to Social Care. It is a mandatory reporting requirement.

Breast ironing

In some cultures where violence against women and girls is prevalent, parents sometimes seek to delay the physical development of girls to avoid such assaults. Practices such as breast ironing or breast binding that are mistakenly understood to delay or inhibit breast development are profoundly damaging to young girls both physically and psychologically. Breast ironing involves pressing hot implements; often wooden or metal plates or other implements or stones onto the breast. Breast binding involves tightly binding the breast with cloth or other materials to prevent or inhibit growth.

Breast ironing is usually performed by close relatives including mothers, grandmothers and aunties.