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.
Section: Harmful Practices
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.
Good practice for working with faith communities and places of worship: spirit possession and abuse.
Discusses how faith based communities should respond and work in partnership with the local community to curb practices such as spiritual possession and witchcraft. Explains the responsibilities of faith groups under government guidance.
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 This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005
Breast Flattening Map
This map covers where Breast Ironing/Flattening is recorded to happen. This map has been developed from the study “Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A Study of the Methods, Motivations, and Outcomes of Breast Flattening Practices in Cameroon” by Rebecca Tapscott, 2012.
Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief – Leaflet
This leaflet contains information on what CALFB is, the risk indicators and signs a child is undergoing CALFB and what professionals should do if they are concerned.
Culture and faith: learning from case reviews
Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around culture and faith. Published case reviews highlight that professionals sometimes lack the knowledge and confidence to work with families from different cultures and religions. The learning from these reviews highlights that professionals need to take into account families’ cultural and religious context when undertaking assessments and offering support. The rights and needs of the child need to remain the focus of interventions at all times, regardless of this context.
Roots, realities and responsibilities: Lessons learnt in tackling witchcraft accusations against children.
This study explores the scale and scope of witchcraft accusations across the world, the belief systems that support them, the impact on the children themselves and how to effective challenge this type of abuse.
Working together to safeguard children
Statutory guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The statutory framework sets out the legislation relevant to safeguarding and it should be read alongside the statutory guidance. Statutory guidance is issued by law; you must follow it unless there’s a good reason not to.