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.
The Children in Need Census 2016/17
This report from the Department for Education, contains information regarding children referred to and assessed by children’s social services for the year ending 31 March 2017. This includes cases where FGM and Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief were identified.
Witchcraft Accusations and Persecution; Muti Murders and Human Sacrifice: Harmful Beliefs and Practices Behind a Global Crisis in Human Rights
This report has been specifically compiled for the United Nations Expert Workshop on Witchcraft and Human Rights, in Geneva on 21st and 22nd September 2017. It aims to provide some background understanding into the work carried out by the United Nations on these issues to date; outline the current scale of the abuses of human rights that are taking place across the world due such harmful beliefs and practices; identify emerging trends and, finally, act as a call to action for all UN, Government and civil society agencies working on these issues to redouble their efforts to develop solutions to prevent further abuses from taking place.
An Exploration of Knowledge about Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief
This groundbreaking new research investigates current knowledge and raises awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief. Internationally, cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) continue to cause concern. In the United Kingdom (UK) high profile cases such as Victoria Climbie and Kristy Bamu have raised awareness of the need to develop child protection in this area. However, there are relatively small numbers of recorded cases though this data may be open to question due to underreporting and lack of recognition. Therefore, this research is timely and important in providing a foundation on which to build more effective identification of cases, policy and intervention.
Breast Ironing – Briefing Fact Sheet
This briefing highlights what breast ironing is, the consequence (legally, physically and emotionally), the law in the UK, key research on the practice and the reasons why families may practice it. MP Jake Berry used this for a speech in parliament about the issue.
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.