AI Tools Lead to Surge in Reports of Ritual Abuse, UK Support Service Says

A leading UK charity reports a steady increase in disclosures of organized ritual abuse, with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT acting as an unexpected conduit for survivors to come forward. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) notes a significant rise in reports over the past 18 months, with many callers stating they were directed to the support line by the AI chatbot.

"We are hearing from people who say, 'I was referred to you by ChatGPT,'" said Gabrielle Shaw, NAPAC's CEO. "Individuals are using these platforms for exploration and as a form of therapy. While that presents complexities, if it guides someone to proper support, it's a positive step." This trend marks a shift from previous patterns where calls would spike around specific dates; now, the increase is consistent.

Police acknowledge that crimes involving witchcraft, spirit possession, and ritualistic abuse are severely under-reported. A specialist working group within the National Police Chiefs' Council is now rolling out training to improve the response. Richard Fewkes of the Hydrant Programme, which aids child protection efforts, stated the unusual nature of these crimes has historically created a "justice gap," leading to widespread under-reporting.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Elly Hanson, whose research informed new police briefings, emphasizes the reality of the abuse. She notes victims often grow up in "regimes of cruelty" and that cases frequently defy stereotypes, occurring within white British, often privileged families. Since 1982, only 14 UK criminal cases have acknowledged ritualistic elements in abuse, a figure experts describe as the "tip of the iceberg." The push for professional training aims to ensure the justice system can better recognize and address these complex crimes.

Source: The Guardian