This report concerns the frequency and severity of child abuse linked to accusations of “possession” and “witchcraft”. It identifies key features common to these cases, draws conclusions and makes recommendations. The report is based on desk research and discussions with social workers, school teachers, police officers, voluntary workers and others who had knowledge of aspects of the subject.
Document Type: Research/Reports
Child abuse linked to faith or belief: national action plan
This action plan is intended to help raise awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief and to encourage practical steps to be taken to prevent it. The plan has been developed through a partnership of the National Working Group between the central government and local statutory partners, faith leaders, voluntary sector organisations and the Metropolitan Police.
Harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls (Factsheet)
Factsheet containing information on harmful traditional practices including FGM, Early/Forced Marriage, Son Preference, Honor Crimes and Violence or Murder related to Dowry Payment.
National FGM Centre: an evaluation of the second phase
The evaluation of the second phase (1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017) focused on assessing the impact of the pilot on services and members of potentially-affected communities, while concentrating more closely on the model of delegated authority and on the support given to families above and below statutory social care intervention thresholds. This evaluation draws out lessons from the NFGMC’s work for best practice in the children’s services response to FGM, and for collaboration between services and communities.
Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A study of the methods, motivations and outcomes of Breast Flattening in Cameroon
This report presents the findings of research examining the practice of breast ironing or breast flattening in Cameroon. Breast ironing or flattening is a practice common in Cameroon and throughout West Africa whereby an object is used to massage, pound, or press the breasts flat. This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime Female Genital Mutilation Early Intervention Model: An Evaluation
The MOPAC female genital mutilation (FGM) early intervention model looks at ways to prevent new cases of FGM among women and girls, while supporting those affected by FGM.
Witchcraft, Accusations & Persecutions in Nepal: 2014 Country Report
This report, the first in a series of WHRIN country reports, focuses on the widespread violations that take place in Nepal due to the belief in Boksi (witches). At this crucial time in the evolution of the Nepalese nation state, the objective of this report is to make an important contribution in the field of human rights. Through raising awareness of this issue, we hope to be able to work with the Nepalese Government and civil society organisations to develop the solutions required to put a stop to the torture and killing of women in the name of ‘combatting witchcraft’
FGM/C in Italy: an enhanced estimation for first generation migrant women based on 2016 survey data
Migration flows of women from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting practicing countries have generated a need for data on women potentially affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. This paper presents enhanced estimates for foreign-born women and asylum seekers in Italy in 2016, with the aim of supporting resource planning and policy making, and advancing the methodological debate on estimation methods.
UNICEF Data on FGM – Brochure
This UNICEF Brochure includes information on the practice of FGM across the world, including prevalence, changing attitudes and the work that UNICEF is doing to end the practice.
A rapid literature review of evidence on child abuse linked to faith or belief
The Childhood Wellbeing Research Centre (CWRC), based at the Institute of Education, was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to conduct a small-scale review of previous research on ‘child abuse linked to faith or belief’. This will be used to help inform future policy in the area.